Five Guys is opening soon in Enfield, CT. (flickr.com)
Interesting predictions piece in Nation’s Restaurant News about dining trends in 2010. Menu trends analysts at Mintel outlined five predictions for industry trends in the coming year. The bottom line? A return to basics, a focus on quality food and drink instead of price-cutting.
The five predictions: a return to simplicity (the article mentions the ‘white-hot better-burger movement’ exhibited by quick-service chains like Five Guys) ; menus featuring locally-sourced ingredients and produce; healthful, lower-calorie choices; the introduction of more retail products from restaurant chains; and ‘regional ethnic’ foods (for example, restaurants serving entrees from the Tuscan region of Italy or North Carolina barbecue.)
Restaurants have obviously had a tough couple of years due to economic downturn, and despite a flurry of promotions like prix-fixe multi-course meals and 2 for 1 deals, the industry’s still hurting. Just today I saw news of a local closing: Hops Restaurant and Brewery in Newington, the last Connecticut outpost of the chain. (There was one in Manchester until recently, too.) For those of us who adore dining out, let’s hope 2010 is happier and healthier for restaurateurs.
Leeanne Griffin is a freelance writer and food enthusiast.