CHILDREN'S FOOD
In the wake of the smoking ban, publicans across the country know that it is essential to attract new and varied customers. For many, families have become a key part of the mix but how do you attract families and keep them happy without alienating your current customer base?
Two pubs, that were previously wet-led, found the solution when they worked with Moy Park Foodservice as part of its 'Experts in Pub Food Panel'. They had more families than ever through the door when they trialled a new dedicated children's menu, with delicious new products and fun, eye catching POS.
Research from Moy Park Foodservice's 'Pub Grub Made Easy' report showed that over 50% of kids prefer to pick and choose from a menu so in response to this, Moy Park Foodservice developed a 'Mix and Match' menu; for a set price, children could choose from a selection of mains, sides, accompaniments, a drink and a dessert, to create any meal combination they wished. The menu incorporated delicious non-fried products from Moy Park Foodservice, developed specifically for children, plus other children's favourites which can be found already on many pub menus. The menu, along with colourful POS, was put to the test with the Bell and Bear in Rowley Regis and The New Inn in Malvern.
Both pubs trialled the 'Mix and Match' menu featuring Non-Fried Whole Muscle Chicken Mini-Fillet, Non-Fried Vegetable Grill, Chicken Nuggets and Mini Donuts, for two weeks and it was a resounding success. Stephanie Corcoran from the Bell and Bear has always had a dedicated children's menu but found it difficult to provide something that kept both the kids and parents happy. The Mix and Match menu provided the perfect solution as children loved that they could pick and choose from their own menu. The most popular item on the menu was the non-fried chicken fillets, not only with the children but with their parents too, as the product is made with a whole chicken fillet and isn't deep fried, during any stage in the manufacturing process. The donuts were also really popular, surprisingly beating ice-cream as the children's favourite for the week!
The New Inn is recently re-furbished, providing a simple yet successful Carvery. For landlord John Horsley, families had become a big part of his customer base, but with the focus on the refurbishment he had not had time to develop a dedicated menu for children. "At the New Inn, the key to our success has been the simplicity of the carvery, whatever we took on for children needed to tick the same boxes. The 'Mix and Match' menu was perfect for children as we could tie it in with the Carvery, offering favourites such as 100% breast chicken nuggets. Children liked the flexibility and kitchen staff loved the ease of preparation," explained John.
Both pubs agreed that a huge attraction for parents was the set price for a main with sides, a dessert and a drink. The fact that their children could choose healthier options like a jacket potato over chips was also a real bonus. So overall, 'Mix and Match' was a hit with children, parents and even the other customers as children were kept busy (and quiet!) with fun, themed colouring sheets. Sales increased by around 10% for both pubs over the two week trial period and both Stephanie and John are keen to keep 'Mix and Match' firmly on their menus.
"'Mix and Match' from Moy Park Foodservice was
a huge success. I would advise anyone to give the menu and
the Moy Park Foodservice products a go as they gave children
the flexibility and food they enjoy and parents the chance
to persuade them to try a healthier option."
Stephanie Corcoran, The Bell and Bear
Top tips to serving happy families:
- Have a dedicated children's menu
- Let children mix and match from a menu - over 50% of children say they would prefer to*
- Remember to serve children first
- Provide older children with smaller portions from the adult menu - more than 50% of adults say their children want this*
- Mix healthy options with children's favourites to keep everyone happy - two thirds of parents say they are looking for healthier options*
- Make sure you offer healthier children's favourites like Moy Park Foodservice's Non-fried Chicken Fillet
- Promote your menu offering using posters, show boards and promotional leaflets
- Keep children entertained with colouring sheets
To find out more about the range of Moy Park Foodservice products, create your own bespoke 'Mix and Match' menu and to download your free eye-catching POS, visit www.moyparkfoodservice.com or call the Prime Line on 0800 085 2749.
*Pub Grub Made Easy report 2007
