Farm to Table Trend is not just a Trend

Posted by Karen Erdelac on Feb 23, 2016

Farm to Table Trend is not just a TrendCustomers are becoming increasingly aware of where their food is coming from.  Many people will only eat organic and locally grown foods.  To keep pace in today’s restaurant industry; this trend cannot be ignored.  Locally sourced foods can be a big draw to today’s consumer and also provides several bottom line benefits to your establishment. Farm to table is a term used to describe foods that are less processed and changes hands fewer times before making it to table.  As consumers become more health conscience, the farm to table trend is here to stay.  When it comes to the restaurant industry, reputation is everything.  Being able to show and tell your customers where their food is coming from will establish you as a leader and innovator in the industry.

Locally and Seasonal Grown Produce

Although the initial cost of transitioning to a locally grown or organic menu can be substantial, the returns can far outweigh the cost.  Locally grown produce purchased from smaller vendors can be more expensive, however, the increase in quality and demand will allow you to charge a significantly higher price for your traditional menu items.  With today’s health driven society, people are willing to pay more for foods that are organically grown and locally produced as these products do not contain the modifications of mass produced or manufactured foods. Quality ingredients make for a much better final product and will show your customer base that you strive for culinary excellence.  Having access to what’s in season provides added flexibility and diversification of your menu options. Purchasing your produce locally not only improves your product, it also shows support for local businesses.  These businesses in turn will serve as evangelists for your establishment, drawing in new customers and providing additional exposure.  Local markets traditionally provide a fresher product and will set your restaurant apart from the competition.

Grow your Own

Farm to Table Trend is not just a TrendTo offset the cost of purchasing local and organic goods, many restaurant owners are moving to a “grow your own” model. Simply put growing your own produce can help you grow your business. Setting up a small organic garden of your own will allow you to control quality and reduce overhead.  Fresh herbs and spices in particular can be expensive to purchase, growing them yourself will provide you with a much greater profit margin without sacrificing quality. 

Customers being able to actually see their ingredients growing and being picked provides them with a comfort that their food is of the freshest quality.  This also protects you against food shortages and damaging recalls. You will also have the ability to grow more exotic, lesser known herbs and spices, providing your menu with a unique twist.  People will always come back to a place that has something no one else can offer them.  Simply having a few dishes that are based around your homegrown produce can give your restaurant a distinctive flavor and reputation.  Growing your own also provides several benefits to the environment.  It eliminates packaging as well as the trucks needed to ship the products.  Tending to a garden also give you a sense of accomplishment watching the fruits of your labor being enjoyed by your customers.  Getting started with your own organic garden is quite simple but will involve time and investment. 

Funding your Organic Initiative

Transitioning to local and homegrown produce can be an expensive, but a necessary business move.  In the long run, growing relationships with local farmers and producing your own goods will save you money and bring in new business.  Farm to table is not a trend to be taken lightly.  In order to survive as a small business in an industry increasingly run by the large chains, you’re quality and reputation will be what sustains your restaurant.

Quikstone Capital Solutions has established itself as a leader in funding the restaurant industry. Consider a merchant cash advance to get your homegrown organic initiative off the ground.

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Topics: Restaurant, Catering, Merchant Cash Advance