How important is a consistent menu offer for branded operators?

Should menu development be a more regular feature or quicker process for UK restaurants?

Only 5% of the population are vegetarian, yet are these 5% the more likely to dine out regularly?

As the UK consumer becomes accustomed to many different types of cuisine and menu, the notion of menu and service analysis is becoming increasingly important. Can establishments truly cater for the apparent increase in the sophistication of their clientele, or do consumers rely on a fixed menu as a attraction to some venues? Has the notion of the 'must have dish' changed? With current changes in eating habits pivotal to menu content, how does the restaurant operator keep up to date with consumer eating trends? Smaller, independent establishments have a greater flexibility than larger chains, where the responsibility for menu selection usually lies with executive and developmental chefs. Can larger establishments, however, improve communication so that customer feedback reaches the decision maker? Should there be a business formula for menu development?

Does the increase in frequency of eating out and a wider use of different types of restaurant by the consumer indicate a new level of experimentation, or merely boredom with existing menus? This report focuses on the wider issues surrounding menu development in restaurants, fast food bars and other outlets across the eating out market. The first report of its kind, Menu Development considers trends and issues affecting the selection of dishes on standard and speciality menus, looking at the inter-relationship between changing consumer eating habits and operator-led menu developments. Menus are often displayed outside a restaurant, how much influence do such positionings affect customer choice in where to dine? Is the British psyche ready for the full Continental language menu? Consisting of consumer survey and in-depth trade interviews, this report assesses consumer eating habits and attitudes towards the menu offer.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

- Special Report, British Lifestyles, 2000

- Pizza and Pasta Restaurants/Chains, Leisure Intelligence, March 2000

- Restaurants, Leisure Intelligence, February 2000

- Eating Out Review, Leisure Intelligence, July 1999

- Cafés, Leisure Intelligence, July 1999

- Catering for the Under 16s, Leisure Intelligence, July 1999

- Ethnic and Other Fast Food, June 1999

- European Fast Food, Leisure Intelligence, May 1999

- Home Delivered Meals, Leisure Intelligence, September 1998

- Travel Catering, Leisure Intelligence, May 1998

- Eating Out Habits, Leisure Intelligence, August 2000

- Pub Visiting, Leisure Intelligence, August 2000.