Dining out has always been a social experience but it’s reaching new levels with Millennials. The dining segment with the most potential to meet the expectations of this generation is the one that positions itself right in the middle of fast food and casual dining—the fast-casual segment.

As Millennials favor quick, freshly prepared meals at reasonable prices with a trendy ambiance to mingle with friends, fast-casuals restaurants have the opportunity to attract this increasingly important customer base by introducing new concepts.

One major advantage fast-casuals have compared to others is in flexibility and scalability—being able to modify and improve offerings to increase market share. Introducing seasonal items by tweaking a few ingredients and spices on an existing offering is an easy way to keep existing customers interested while attracting new ones.

Alcohol has been a great revenue source for traditional full-service restaurants. The fast-casual segment can take full advantage of this as well. On average, alcohol can bump sales 3-7 percent in fast-casual restaurants. Alcohol service opens the doors for additional revenue opportunities such as Happy Hour, Seasonal Drinks, and Late Night hours.

3 Easy Ways to Mix-In Alcohol Sales

Happy Hour – Create a fun Happy Hour ambiance with pre-selected appetizer menu and trendy drinks, beer or wine.

Seasonal Drinks – With online resources and affordable bartender kits, staff can easily learn to create fancy seasonal cocktails within minutes.

• Caramel Apple Martini
• Bourbon Maple Apple Cider
• Pumpkin Spice White Russian
• Pomegranate Sangria
• Pumpkin Pineapple Cocktail

Late Night Hours – Don’t miss out on late-night revenue by closing too soon. Millennial diners can become late-night customers. “Open till late” doesn’t have to be the domain of bars and drive-throughs only.

The Right Equipment

Flexible and durable equipment is key, especially when testing new day-part concepts and drinks. Durable barware that has the feel and look of glass without the risk of breakage is a great long-term investment.

See all the options available in durable barware – click here.

Contact your local Cambro representative for samples of these items.