Restaurant visits are more than just a place to get a meal; they’re an opportunity for families to enjoy memorable experiences, and your restaurant can make or break those moments. Today’s families are short on time, health-conscious, value-seeking, and eager to make the most of the time they spend together.
68 per cent of parents would like restaurants to focus on being more kid-friendly, and 28 per cent say dining out with kids is stressful. Make your restaurant a family-friendly destination with thoughtful adjustments that will entice families and set you apart:
Menus
Research shows that 49 per cent of parents feel that children’s menus are generally uninspiring, and they are looking for a variety of choices (86 per cent), affordable prices (85 per cent), appropriate portion sizes (82 per cent), and healthy options (72 per cent).
While the typical kids’ menu featuring chicken nuggets and spaghetti may still work for some, many parents are looking for varied, healthier options for their children. Consider creating a kids’ menu with smaller portions of adult dishes, along with traditional favourites, to try and get kids interested in new flavours and dishes.
Dietary restrictions and allergies are also a consideration, so making your children’s menu more inclusive will allow for a broader range of appeal. Using clear dietary symbols on your menu and making the ingredient lists easily available for parents will help simplify the process and make them feel comfortable with their children’s choices.
Accessibility and space
Creating family-friendly spaces means making room for strollers, groups of people, and all the gear that comes with children. Providing wider aisles, room between tables, family bathrooms, and more will ensure that your restaurant can accommodate guests of all ages.
You may also want to designate areas where it’s more family-friendly, to separate guests looking for a quieter experience. This might include seating areas with activities, electronics, or a “lending library” where parents can access books to help keep kids busy at the table.
The experience
Creating a family-friendly space and tailoring your menus are important, but what’s most crucial is what guests will remember when they leave your restaurant. Making memorable experiences is what it is all about, and focusing on superior service, shorter wait times, and personalized attention is what will really make a family-friendly restaurant stand out. Tables with families may have less time and patience, so training your teams to stay attentive can help limit any frustration.
Personalizing the experience can also help to keep everyone at the table engaged, so recognizing birthdays or celebrations is a nice way to connect with families. You might also consider live entertainment like a traveling magician or celebrating fun food holidays or theme nights to help give parents a break while the kids are entertained.
Attracting families can help fill those tables and raise revenues, and if you can establish yourself as a family favourite, you’ll build loyalty that will keep them coming back for more.
