MIAMI - Nov. 26, 2002-- iDine, a dining rewards
program whose more than 11 million members are among the most frequent
diners, has divulged its predictions for the Top 10 Dining Out Trends of
2003.
�We spend a lot of time listening to our restaurant participants,� says
George S. Weidemann, president and CEO of iDine Rewards Network Inc., which
sees the industry from both perspectives � that of its 11 million rewards
members and of the 9,000 participating restaurants.
�The industry has seen a slowdown of eating out occasions and is focused
on keeping guest counts up for 2003. Programs like iDine, and other new
marketing techniques like those listed here are being tried across the
country to keep existing guests coming back and attract new guests in new
ways.�
Here are iDine�s Top 10 Trend predictions for 2003:
Trend #1 - Branding campaigns even from small and independent
restaurants. In efforts to increase their brand identities, more restaurants
will explore new marketing tactics like cookbooks, local TV shows and packaging
their products for grocery store sale will extend their brand names into
related product categories.
Trend #2 - On-Line Customer Communications - Restaurateurs will
use alternate marketing tools including on-line customer communications,
which are personal, direct and measurable.
Trend #3 - Designer everything - From designer dishware to designer
signature staff uniforms, restaurants are sending a message that more than
their food is unique and individual.
Trend #4 - Chefs will create more proprietary and signature
dishes based on local ingredients.
Trend #5 - New product developments will result in more fresh,
organic and wellness menu items.
Trend #6 - Food on the run - Increased pick-up and take-out
service will involve issues like separate parking areas, entrances and
take-out service areas.
Trend #7 - Multiconcept operators and multiconcept locations.
Look for totally different restaurant or menu concepts under one roof serving
items that appeal to different day parts and different audiences.
Trend #8 - Manufacturers will increase testing and launch of
New Food and Beverage Products in restaurants before they appear on retailers�
shelves.
Trend #9 - Small portion menus for children replacing kid�s
menus. Marketing to children will emerge in a more sophisticated manner.
Trend #10 - Breakfast will get renewed attention as a dining-out
and sales-increasing opportunity. |
iDine Rewards Network Inc. is headquartered in Miami and offers its
11 million members a variety of dining savings and rewards programs at
more than 9,000 restaurants nationwide. iDine Reward
Network�s common stock (IRN) trades on the American Stock Exchange
(AMEX). |