Welcome Gen Z'ers to Your Restaurant by Catering to their Tastes and Trends

GenZ'ers—the 83 million Americans born between 1995 and 2010—are the newest generation of restaurant diners. Based on the statistics, their tastes and eating habits bode well for restaurant owners, especially those offering seafood options.

Consider the eight facts about Gen Z'ers and some tips below to ensure these young patrons are lining up at your restaurant door.

1. 34% of Gen Z'ers plan to maintain their increased online restaurant spending initiated during the pandemic.

Tip. Make sure your online menu is attractive and easy to read and navigate. Encourage downloading the menu from a QR code, so it is readily available next time hunger strikes. Place items with higher profit margins, such as shrimp, near the top to catch interest quickly.

2. The most ethnically diverse generation, Gen Z'ers love ethnic cuisine. Younger Gen Z (children under 18) particularly enjoy Indian, Middle Eastern, and African cuisines.

Tip. Make your menu as global as possible—without driving up costs. Excellent options include seafood such as shrimp, calamari, and firm fish like branzino that can be used in a variety of dishes, served naked, or hold their own in rich ethnic sauces.

3. Since the pandemic shutdown, Gen Z'ers see frozen foods in a more positive light.

Tip. Rely on premium frozen seafood to preserve tastiness while blurring the line between fresh and frozen to reduce the costs, prep time, and waste associated with fresh ingredients.

4. Gen Z'ers are grazers, often preferring smaller portions or snacks to large entrees.

Tip. Serve appetizers and small plates with finger foods that are easy to munch on yet offer versatility in preparation, such as shrimp and calamari.

5. 79% would be interested in consuming meatless meals once or twice a week but are not ready to commit to being a total vegetarian or vegan.

Tip. Cater to the rising number of pescatarians looking for that middle ground by serving appealing and delicious dishes that will have them returning once, twice, or even more times a week.

6. 41% of Gen Z'ers report being willing to pay more for foods they perceive as healthier.

Tip. We all know that shrimp is high in vitamins and "good" fat and low in calories. Bottom line: Nothing fits the healthy bill more than seafood, so flaunt it. Put it at the top of the menu and spell out the health benefits in a call-out on the menu. Mark seafood items with a heart or other "healthy" icon. They will be glad you did, and so will your bottom line.

7. Gen Z'ers are more likely to favor photogenic foods for sharing on social media; they often use Instagram to choose where and what to eat. 

Tip. Here, again, seafood is the perfect food. What is more photogenic than a delicious shrimp burger with French fries? Or a flaky fish filet served with colorful vegetables of the season? The options are endless.

8. Gen Z'ers are connected to an electronic device six to eight hours daily and love digital interaction.

Tip. Restaurants can keep this connection going onsite, engaging Gen Z'ers with everything from scan code table menus and text notifications to apps that track customer points—even games that can be uploaded and played onsite to earn menu items.

Gen Z'ers are the up-and-coming restaurant diners. Stay connected to their habits and cater to their tastes, and you'll have life-long customers.

Statistic sources: The Food Institute, DataEssentials, BarkleyUS, QSR magazine, Aramark/LiveKindly