Aviko Foodservice has released the results from a special reopening survey to gauge the feeling of consumers returning to pubs and restaurants now that the latest lockdown is over
Available at www.aviko.co.uk , 4000 consumers were quizzed on their top menu choices, attitudes to safety and hygiene and even who they are planning to eat out with first. The results and top business advice, provide a complete and timely guide, to help operators succeed during this crucial reopening phase.
Most encouragingly for the hospitality market, the survey showed the nation is hungry to dine out again and reconnect with loved ones. 59% of respondents said they were really looking forward to a meal out with the family, closely followed by dining out with their partner (48%), and 41% stated a meal out with friends is on their bucket list.*
But what will customers want from venues? After months of takeaways, traditional ‘Pub grub’ will be the major draw for most when eating out – with 59% stating that this was the food they want most. Pie & Mash, Roast Dinners and Fish & Chips alongside other pub classics, will all be in high demand.
Quality of food is the key priority for diners when choosing where to eat. Followed by service and hygiene surprisingly coming in third. With a more relaxed attitude to safety measures from consumers eager to be eating out again, operators should feel heartened to know traditional values around food quality and good service mean the most to diners.
Paul Halliwell, Key Account Manager, UK & Ireland, Aviko, comments;
“This survey should give pubs and restaurants much to feel positive about, as well as a lot to think about in the months ahead. When asked about safety and hygiene, a whopping 89% of people were either not worried at all or were comfortable with masks and social distancing measures in place.
“With so many potential customers keen to reconnect with family and loved ones, it’s good quality meals and service that remains the most important deciding factor when eating out. Get this right and it will go a long way to getting your business back on track.”
The survey from the potato products supplier, could signal a quick return to pre-covid numbers of diners for some venues. Information about which destinations consumers will favour is also revealed in the downloadable guide.
With foreign holidays less likely in 2021 and many families having excess savings due to the past year of inactive spending, the survey suggests that the hospitality sector is set for a major bounce back and the current boom could last several months.
Aviko has been the foodservice’s dedicated potato partner for over fifty years bringing quality and smart solutions to menus all over the world. Aviko’s latest guide charts exactly what consumers are looking for from cuisines to social distancing measures, as well as top tips to make the most of reopening.
Read the full report now https://www.aviko.co.uk/news/restaurants-and-pubs-reopening .
