Why NM is mandatory for every GOOD restaurant
Every GOOD restaurant that wants to have a reputation and that takes care of its guests should MUST have a NUTRITION MENU (NM). See below why.
A large number of people have problems related to nutrition. Let’s ignore in this analysis those who are vegetarians, vegans, diabetics, those who have to watch out for fat, sugar, sodium, carbohydrates…
Let’s look at the data only for those potential guests who are allergic to some food ingredient.
Approximately 32 million Americans, including 5.9 million children, (pls see https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/facts-and-statistics) have problems with food allergies. Sensitivities and intolerances to certain ingredients are on the very big rise (These numbers were 15 million total 15 years ago, including 3 million children.
Food allergy statistics indicate that 250 million people globally suffer from at least one food allergy (pls see https://dealsonhealth.net/food-allergy-statistics/ ).
These allergies can range from a mild sensitivity (which would ruin the memory of a nice meal out) to reactions with much more serious consequences. In fact, each year, 200,000 people in the U.S. require emergency medical attention from contact with a food allergen.
Accurate allergen information is crucial to guarantee your guests’ safety, while making sure that information is easily accessible will help deliver a positive customer experience.
It is very tough on restaurant staff if they in real-time aren’t equipped with the right allergen information . During a busy service, a seemingly innocuous question: “do you know if this has sesame in it?” will elicit not exactly reassuring—response: “I don’t think so” or, “it shouldn’t.”
With a NUTRITIONAL MENU that keeps all the information centralized, your servers can deliver the right answers right away. Accurate information is accessible (and always on hand) via smartphones and tablets. Without having to hunt, your staff will be able to give your guests accurate, up-to-date information.
Those with severe allergies often have the task of choosing where to dine with friends or family. Waiting for a reaction to allergens after the meal is finished can deprive them of the joy and enjoyment of eating.
This is an big opportunity for your restaurant: NUTRITIONAL MENU allowing a customizable view for guests. With this a filtered view, your potential guests can select specific ingredients to avoid, resulting in a custom menu that excludes any dishes that could cause a reaction for them.
Whether they are filtering restaurant menu for vegan-friendly options, or excluding dishes that could cause an allergic reaction, your potential guests will have all the information they need, plus more confidence in your restaurant before they even set foot inside.
Some countries are introducing the trend of mandatory disclosure of allergen information on restaurant menus and prevention of cross-contamination in kitchens. As restaurant guest safety is at stake, legislation shouldn’t have to be the main reason for this. Your restaurant can gain competitive advantage by publishing this information giving your guests the confidence to return again and again
If you look at the statistics and see that 20-25% of the population have specific dietary requirements, you will understand how many new guests you can get if you provide them with this information that is very important.