Kids menus have changed dramatically as restaurant owners have realized the benefits of offering more diverse and healthy options. The trick to creating a quality kids menu is to make it so adults would want to order off it as well. Just offering chicken nuggets and frozen hot dogs is no longer a profitable option. An increasingly health conscious population has parents paying close attention to what their kids consume. Parents want to be able to go out to dinner at a nice restaurant without having to worry that their children’s nutrition is suffering. Additionally, it’s become popular for parents to want to develop their children’s pallets at an early age. Here we offer up a few key ingredients to developing a standout kids menu.
Fresh Not Frozen
When going out to eat people expect to have their meals cooked with fresh ingredients and that expectation also holds true for their children. Paying a premium cost for frozen food can drive customers away and hurt your reputation even if your regular menu items are of high quality.
Organic Options
Organic and farm to table options are all the rage in food circles these days and parents want the same for their children. These items are generally better for you, packed with more vitamins and also taste better.
Traditional Dishes Made Right
Hot dogs, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese and spaghetti and meatballs are all kids favorites and still have a place on your menu. The trick is to not scale back the flavors too much and offer something that even the parents would enjoy. It is no longer acceptable to skimp on the quality of your kid’s menu items.
Finger Foods
Kids love to eat with their hands and I’m sure we’ve all seen parents cutting up their kid’s meals before they eat. Creating tasty finger foods that cater to kids will make their dining experience more fun and less stressful for the parents.
Healthy Beverages
Soda is one of the biggest factors in childhood obesity and parents have begun to take notice. Offering healthier options such as fruit and vegetable juices will appeal to parents and kids alike.
Fruit Sides
It can be tough to get kids to eat their vegetables and parents want them to enjoy going out to eat as much as themselves. Offering apple slices or grapes as a side dish instead of broccoli or carrots can make your menu more appealing while remaining relatively healthy.
Affordable Prices
Pricing is important even on a kids menu and there are many factors to weigh in your decision. Kids menu items tend to come in smaller portions and there’s always the chance the child won’t want to eat it. Keep that in mind, as your kid’s menu may not be the place to find your biggest profit margins.
Creative Menu Design
Get creative with the design of your kids menu. They should be bright and colorful and contain pictures of your dishes. This makes it easier for the kids to choose their meal. You may also consider including games and drawings that the kids can color. This helps keep them occupied while the parents enjoy your food.
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