When it comes to dining out, customers want more than just delicious meals; they seek emotional, memorable experiences, too. That’s where themed cafes and experiential dining come into play. The trend toward experiential dining has become popular because it offers more than just a meal. These days, we are seeing multisensory fine dining, interactive and theatrical restaurants, and bars that include fun games like golf or axe throwing.
Not only do customers come in for the great experiences, but they are willing to pay more for them. With that in mind, food franchisors are finding new and innovative ways to entice customers with more options. Here’s a look at a few.
Themed Restaurants and Niche Food Franchises
The new Comic Book Café franchise merges superheroes and villains with pizza into a unique themed restaurant. Guests are greeted with larger-than-life Spiderman and Hulk figures and a myriad of fun memorabilia. While enjoying pizza, wings, and other comfort foods, parents can feel a sense of nostalgia and introduce the fun of comic books to their kids.
Another franchisor that understands the power of nostalgia is Southern Steer Butcher. The niche franchise modernizes the local butcher shop into a unique business opportunity. Southern Steer Butcher brings back the former neighborhood staple with quality meats and white glove, personalized service. The shops offer meal-prep classes, which bring a sense of community and create personalized, memorable experiences.
A feeling of family, or “ohana,” is what Island Fin Poké delivers with its build-your-own bowls. Guests enjoy fresh ingredients and gluten-free options with a laid back Hawaiian surfer vibe. The fast-casual brand strives to be a “five-star beach shack,” with farm-to-fork ingredients and sustainably sourced fish. Island Fin Poké’s goal is to be more of a lifestyle brand than a restaurant.
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