2. Ethnic influence is big for Gen Z. The most ethnically diverse generation, it will bring a preference for ethnic tastes and flavors to the mainstream, changing the perception of “American” food. “Gen Z consumers are most likely to find a pairing of ‘new’ flavors with familiar flavors appealing,” says Grebitus. “They’ll seek more diverse and ‘spicy’ flavor profiles much more actively than their predecessors.” According to Technomic Inc’s research on Generation Z, 81 percent of Gen Z consumers say they frequently try new foods. Gregg Rapp, a menu consultant in Palm Springs, Calif. suggests restaurateurs ‘dial down as deep as possible’ when putting together a seafood menu. “Give more specifics about your foods so they will stand out and perform for you,” he says. “More specifics leads to more value. Just as we want to know where our potatoes come from, we want to know where our fish comes from, too. The more we know about what sea or ocean it came from, the more value it will have to a customer, and the more value something has, the less it cost in your head.”
November 24, 2015
