- Why is the Mediterranean Restaurant Market in the US Booming?
- What are Some Current Trends in Mediterranean Cuisine?
- How to Tap into Opportunities in the Mediterranean Restaurant Market
- Empowering Your Mediterranean Restaurant with Orders.co
Thinking of diving into a new restaurant business venture?
Look no further than the Mediterranean market!
With so many cuisine options to choose from, you can definitely find something that will suit your taste buds and business goals.
But don’t take our word for it when the stats speak for themselves. In the last five years alone, revenue has grown steadily at 3.0% annually, reaching a whopping $33.4 billion.
That’s a lot of moussaka and falafel!
As an independent restaurant owner, join us and discover why the Mediterranean food market is winning hearts and stomachs around the globe!
Why is the Mediterranean Restaurant Market in the US Booming?
The Mediterranean food market in the US is experiencing a remarkable boom, drawing attention from both consumers and entrepreneurs alike. Several factors contribute to this flourishing trend.
Rising Demand for Healthy Eating
In today’s health-conscious society, more people are seeking out nutritious food options. Mediterranean cuisine perfectly fits this trend, emphasizing fresh fruits, cheese, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like fish and poultry.
With concerns about obesity, heart health, and overall well-being on the rise, consumers are increasingly turning to Mediterranean restaurants for meals that are not only delicious but also good for them.
Cultural Diversity
The United States is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over the world bringing their culinary traditions with them. Mediterranean cuisine, which encompasses flavors and ingredients from countries like Greece, Italy, Spain, Lebanon, and others, appeals to this diverse population.
Whether it’s a Greek gyro, Italian pasta dish, Spanish paella, or Lebanese mezze platter, there’s something for everyone in Mediterranean cuisine, making it a popular choice among Americans of all backgrounds.
Social Media Visibility
The immense power of social media in influencing consumer behavior cannot be overstated. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are filled with mouth-watering images of Mediterranean dishes shared by food bloggers, influencers, and everyday diners.
For instance, actor Michael B. Jordan caused a stir when he commented on a Lebanese BBQ chicken place, sparking further interest and drawing attention to Mediterranean cuisine’s appeal.
These visually appealing posts not only whet people’s appetites but also introduce them to new flavors and culinary experiences. As a result, Mediterranean restaurants are benefiting from increased visibility and attracting customers who want to try the dishes they’ve seen online.
Versatility in Dining Formats
Another factor driving the success of the Mediterranean restaurant market in the US is its adaptability to different dining formats.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and casual meal on the go with a delicious coffee, a sit-down dinner with friends and family, or an upscale dining experience for a special occasion, you can start a Mediterranean restaurant that suits your needs. This versatility makes Mediterranean cuisine accessible to a wide group of consumers, regardless of their budget or dining preferences.
What are Some Current Trends in Mediterranean Cuisine?
Plant-Based Options
As the demand for plant-based and vegetarian diets continues to rise, Mediterranean cuisine offers an abundance of flavorful and satisfying plant-based options. Dishes like falafel, stuffed grape leaves, and vegetable-based mezze platters cater to those seeking meat-free alternatives while still delivering on taste and texture.
Global Fusion
Mediterranean cuisine is evolving with the fusion of flavors and ingredients from other culinary traditions around the world. Chefs are experimenting with fusion dishes that combine Mediterranean staples with Asian, Latin American, or African influences, resulting in exciting new flavor profiles and innovative dishes.
Ancient Grains and Legumes
Traditional Mediterranean ingredients like bulgur, farro, lentils, and chickpeas are gaining popularity as consumers seek out nutritious and sustainable alternatives to refined grains. These ancient grains and legumes are not only packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients but also add depth and complexity to Mediterranean dishes.
Seafood Sustainability
With its very long coastline and rich maritime heritage, Mediterranean cuisine has always celebrated seafood as a central ingredient. However, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability and responsible sourcing in the seafood industry.
Restaurants are increasingly highlighting locally sourced and ethically harvested seafood options, ensuring that consumers can enjoy their favorite seafood dishes without compromising environmental integrity.
Artisanal Ingredients
From handcrafted cheeses and cured meats to small-batch olive oil and artisanal bread, Mediterranean cuisine celebrates the quality and craftsmanship of its ingredients. Consumers are showing a preference for authentic and artisanal products that reflect the rich culinary heritage of the Mediterranean region, driving demand for specialty food items and gourmet ingredients.
Creative Cocktail Culture
Mediterranean-inspired cocktails are gaining popularity, offering refreshing and innovative twists on classic recipes. Ingredients like fresh herbs, citrus fruits, aromatic spices, and Mediterranean spirits like ouzo, raki, and limoncello add depth and more complexity to cocktails, creating a unique drinking experience that complements the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.
How to Tap into Opportunities in the Mediterranean Restaurant Market
Let’s explore ten actionable ways to seize opportunities and thrive in this dynamic culinary landscape:
Offer Authentic and Diverse Menu Options
Emphasize traditional Mediterranean dishes while incorporating regional specialties to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Focus on Fresh and High-Quality Ingredients
Source locally whenever possible and prioritize using fresh, seasonal ingredients to enhance the authenticity and flavor of your dishes.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
Design a warm and inviting ambiance that reflects the Mediterranean lifestyle, with cozy seating areas, rustic decor, and perhaps even outdoor dining options reminiscent of Mediterranean cafes.
Provide Excellent Customer Service
Train your staff to deliver friendly service that improves the dining experience and encourages repeat business.
Offer Catering and Event Services
Tap into additional revenue streams by providing catering services for weddings, corporate functions, and even private parties, showcasing your Mediterranean cuisine to a broader audience.
Host Cooking Classes and Food Tastings
Engage with your community by hosting cooking classes, food tastings, and other culinary events that showcase the artistry and flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, while also providing an opportunity to interact with your customers and build your brand loyalty.
Utilize Social Media and Online Marketing
Leverage social media like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to showcase your restaurant, share mouth-watering images of your dishes, and engage with your audience. Invest in up-to-date marketing solutions, including AI website builders, to create a more visually enticing and user-friendly online presence that attracts customers and drives reservations.
Offer Delivery and Takeout Options
Adapt to changing consumer preferences by offering delivery and takeout services, either through third-party delivery apps or your own online ordering system, to reach customers who prefer to enjoy Mediterranean food in the comfort of their own homes.
Create Loyalty Programs and Special Offers
Reward repeat customers and encourage loyalty by offering incentives such as discounts, special offers, and loyalty programs that offer exclusive benefits and discounts for frequent diners.
Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Keep up with the latest trends/ innovations in the restaurant industry, including new ingredients, cooking techniques, and menu trends, to stay competitive and continue attracting customers with fresh and exciting culinary offerings.
Empowering Your Mediterranean Restaurant with Orders.co
If you’re considering opening a Mediterranean restaurant business, don’t forget to take into account the major operational baggage that comes with it.
Fortunately, there are ways to make the baggage lighter on your shoulders, through partnering with a restaurant management platform like Orders.co.
Orders.co stands ready to support your Mediterranean dreams with a suite of services and features:
You can manage multiple orders efficiently with Orders.co. By consolidating restaurant orders from various delivery apps onto a single device, errors are eliminated, and consistency in order management is ensured.
With Orders.co, menu management is a breeze. Easily update menu items, prices, descriptions, and images from one central location. Utilize AI-assisted tools for optimized menu creation and effortlessly keep all your menus synchronized for hassle-free management.
Empower your marketing efforts with AI-driven solutions. Send targeted emails and text messages to promote new items and distribute coupons effectively.
Reward customer loyalty intelligently with Orders.co’s AI-assisted loyalty programs. Offer points per dollar spent and personalized rewards to encourage repeat visits and increase customer spending, all while maximizing customer satisfaction.
Ensure your restaurant business maintains a strong online presence with local business optimization tools. Consistency across all restaurant business listings and enhanced SEO search results amplify your visibility, driving more traffic to your digital storefront.
Facilitate self-service dine-in ordering with Orders.co’s QR code menu solution. By enabling customers to order directly from their smartphones, you ease out the ordering process, reduce labor costs, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
Gain valuable insights into your customers’ experiences with our guest feedback monitoring feature. Collect feedback on food quality, service, and overall satisfaction to continuously improve your offerings.
Lastly, effectively manage disputes and prevent chargebacks to maintain a professional reputation and ensure customer satisfaction.
Ready to experience the benefits firsthand?
Schedule a FREE demo with Orders.co today.
