Customer needs
Depending on the type of outlet, special consideration must be given to the needs of the customer base when drawing up a menu. These needs relate to:
- Age
- Religion
- Ethics
- Dietary requirements
Age
Establishments like schools and residential homes have to think about the needs of the people they are catering for when planning menus.
Young children should be introduced to new foods and given small portions to encourage them to eat. Foods high in protein are needed for growth and development.
Food can be presented in interesting or easy to hold shapes like chicken teddy bears and carrot fingers.
Fried and fatty foods are not recommended and fresh fruit should be cut into smaller pieces and encouraged instead of sweet treats high in sugar.
Fruit drinks high in sugar should be replaced with milk or milk based drinks to provide calcium for the development of strong teeth and bones.
Schools have a responsibility to provide healthy menus for children and adolescents. The menu should offer a choice of dishes providing good quality protein foods for growth (meat, milk, fish, eggs, cheese, beans and lentils).
A selection of vegetables and fruit should be available to contribute to their 5 a day and low fat dishes should be available.
High sugar drinks should not be included and desserts should be fruit based to provide fibre and limit sugar intake.
Older people still require protein food for maintenance and repair of the body but the method of cooking has to be considered carefully so that the food is tender to eat.
Some may have issues with swallowing or poorly fitting dentures so the softness of food is important.
Physical difficulties like arthritis or the effects of a stroke may also make it difficult to cut firmer foods. Low fat food is usually easier to digest and this is an important factor as some may have digestive problems.
Religious and ethical factors
Jews and Muslims do not eat pork, while Hindus do not eat beef, so to meet these needs there must be suitable alternative dishes.
Most people from these faiths can be catered for if there is a vegetarian option to select.
On moral grounds, some people will not eat any animal product. To meet their needs, and by law, every restaurant must offer one vegetarian option.
Dietary requirements
An outlet will attract customers if it caters for specific dietary requirements.
These dietary requirements vary for each individual and may be due to food intolerances (gluten - coeliac), allergies (nuts), and medical conditions (diabetes) or through choice (vegetarians).
It is important to be aware of these needs and be prepared to meet them by providing alternative dishes to those on the menu.
