With 2022 firmly underway, the global restaurant industry is bouncing back from an unpredictable couple of years.
With so many ghost kitchen brands evolving and thriving to successfully meet changing consumer demand, it’s worth celebrating this sector’s amazing versatility and forward planning.
We’re consequently looking at the year ahead, and some of the biggest trends set to define your kitchen operations. From streamlined menus to a greater focus on supply chain management and the ever-present rise of plant-based cuisine – here’s the top trends to watch-out for during 2022.
Streamlined menus
Many restaurant franchises have recently been forced to increase prices. With the combined impact of Brexit, the coronavirus pandemic, inflation and global geo-political uncertainty – operating costs are likely to rise further over the year ahead.
With this in mind, expect to see more creative ingredients and streamlined menus over 2022.
For instance, anticipate cheaper cuts of fish (such as cheeks and belly) as well as more economical meat options (for instance chicken thighs instead of breast). It’s all about switches that reduce costs but don’t compromise on flavour.
As well as cheaper ingredients, menus are likely to be streamlined, allowing for more efficient prep and economies of scale.
Online food delivery customers don’t want to spend a long time scanning through hundreds of dishes. So as well as cutting costs for 2022, smaller and more specialised menus allow diners to order great food, fast.
Southeast Asian cuisine
2021 saw the rise of Japanese cuisine and flavours – and this year, expect to see more variety in terms of Southeast Asian cuisine. Whilst Thai and Vietnamese food have long been UK favourites, Filipino, Malaysian and Burmese inspired food will gain traction.
To give just a couple of examples, take a look at Ramo Ramen who provide Filipino-infused Japanese soups, or Lahpet, a restaurant group specialising in authentic Burmese cooking. Both are opening multiple outlets across London, making the most of increased interest in this varied and delicious cuisine.
The plant-based party
For the food delivery world, vegan cuisine is hardly a new development. It will continue to increase in importance over the coming year however.
Fast food giants such as McDonalds and KFC are quickly recognizing the importance of this growing market, providing a wide range of “McPlant” dishes, vegan burgers and nuggets.
It’s clearly paying off too. At eight test restaurants, McDonalds sold over 70 McPlant burgers a day – far exceeding initial estimates of 20 to 25 daily sales.
A fully plant-based burger chain “Ready Burger” has also recently launched, billing itself as home to the world’s first “99p plant burger”. It’s certainly one to watch for the year ahead…
Super supply chain management
It’s no secret that supply chain management is essential for running a successful ghost kitchen brand. In 2022 though, expect greater involvement in supply chain logistics.
With consumers increasingly focused on environmentally friendly business practices, restaurant franchises need to make their supply chains visible to diners. As diners want to know exactly where their food comes from (and how ethical businesses really are), it's a vital way to improve quality, reduce supply problems and increase sales over the coming year.
Peckwater Brands help kitchen operators run successful delivery franchises. We stay up to date with the latest industry trends, so you can say hello to extra orders, revenue and profits. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you grow your business.
Topics from this blog: Hospitality
