Family focus: Just kidding

Related tags Moy park foodservice Restaurant Meal

FAMILY OCCASIONS make up nearly one third of the eating-out market and almost half of all youngsters admit to being fussy about the food they eat....

FAMILY OCCASIONS make up nearly one third of the eating-out market and almost half of all youngsters admit to being fussy about the food they eat.

Moy Park Foodservice's recent Pub Grub Category Report highlighted the importance of getting the menu right when targeting families.The review of consumers' perceptions of the pub market found that people feel they have to compromise when eating out with children.Over half of adults want to be able to mix and match from menus when choosing for their children, two-thirds want healthier food for their kids in pubs and half want smaller portions of adult meals to be available, rather than just the traditional kids' offerings. More than 20 per cent of families eat out at least once a fortnight in a pub, proving that the dining-out occasion is no longer limited to family celebrations. But more than a third of parents feel pubs and restaurants are not welcoming towards kids.

Matt Godbold, marketing manager for Moy Park Foodservice, comments on why this issue needs to be addressed. "It is essential for pubs to integrate families into their clientele as parents are becoming more demanding in terms of quality, service and flexibility, and as a result are shying away from traditional family-themed venues," he says.

Many pubs have traditionally neglected families, so to entice them, why not come up with menu ideas which include healthier alternatives as well as favourites such as fish fingers, chips and beans? For example, three-veg mash, incorporating 'hidden' vegetables in a format that kids recognise. Fresh fruit on the dessert menu is also a good idea.

Pubs also need to invest in dishes which can be served quickly. Young children can be boisterouss and their attention span will be severely tested by an extended wait for food.

Matt says: "Convenience is the key for children's food. Outlets can attract busy parents, especially mid-week, with family deals that are convenient, good value and satisfy both parents and children.

"Try supplying a kids' meal deal including a main meal, healthy soft drink and a dessert."