Types of customers
People eat out for different reasons so their needs and expectations vary.
A business person may want fast service so they can quickly return work. However, if they are entertaining clients they may require a more formal style of meal in a restaurant.
A family with young children will need a children’s menu or a deal with special offers like free child’s meal with every adult meal.
A tourist may want to experience local food and traditional dishes so this is a consideration for outlets in popular tourist areas.
When designing a menu it is important to identify the type of customer and target the menu accordingly.
Occasion
The occasion will influence the style of menu on offer. A wedding menu will be table d’hôte and may offer 2 choices per course. More choices will be very expensive for the customer and harder to prepare and serve for large numbers.
Recently it has become common practice for guests to be sent a copy of the menu with their wedding invitation to pre-select the choices.
A party or function menu can vary from canapés and drinks to banquet style. Usually the food on offer is planned with the organiser for a fixed price and the guests do not have a choice.
