Institutional operators will continue an aggressive push to draw all customers to their doors. Pa. The best strategy, of course, is to serve an enticing array of restaurant-quality food. First launched as a coffee cart kiosk at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Jazzman's has opened additional kiosks and full-service cafes at other universities, and more are in the works. Jazzman's follows in the footsteps of Sodexho Marriott's Crossroads Cuisine program, which features innovative menus that reflect current food trends. Other strong signals come from Restaurant Associates, owned by Compass Group.
Baby boomers continue to drive demand.
It stands firmly behind the movement to incorporate fresher ingredients, more vegetarian options, robust flavors and healthier dishes. Sure, they'll still take their kids out for a fast-food burger, but when they dine out, they want a higher quality experience, no matter what the venue. This group also will view dining out as an everyday occurrence and have high expectations for food. They'll be less tolerant of bland than senior citizens before them, unwilling to sacrifice taste and variety. As will their children, who will have come into their own in full force by 2010.