Hospitality and food trends every banquet and F&B director needs to know

As banquet season heats up and customers reach out for you to host their special events like conferences, weddings or graduations, you’ll want to nail down a unique set of offerings that separate you from other venues.

In a recent webinar, Entegra’s Director of Culinary Operations, Chef Lynn Hay, and a panel of hospitality pros explored the latest trends shaping banqueting food trends.

Trends reshaping banquets

Adapting to changing customer preferences, enhancing efficiency and streamlining operations so you can stand out as a banquet industry leader are a few critical strategies foodservice operators are eager to master. Of course, leaving guests with memorable experiences was the focus of the webinar. Watch the video or read on for their top tips to make your next banquet a success.

Utilizing technology for streamlined operations, efficiencies and cost savings

Technology is now a crucial part of the banquet business. Tech that gives you access to savings opportunities based on past spending and deep analytics to power informed purchasing can help you achieve more profit. There are also back-of-house efficiencies that allow you to look at what you’re purchasing across the board while reviewing the product mix that is selling so you can understand how to better leverage your inventory.

• Explore Entegra PurchasingIQ for timely data-driven procurement insights to help you make decisions with confidence while improving your business performance.

Adopting sustainability practices

With consumers’ growing environmental focus, sustainable practices have become essential for restaurant and hotel banquets. By using locally sourced ingredients, minimizing food waste and implementing recycling programs, banquet venues can reduce their environmental impact while attracting eco-conscious guests.

• Explore Entegra’s latest report about achieving profitability through sustainable initiatives: Making sustainability profitable for business.

Customizing banquet menus for different dietary needs

Today’s guests expect unique, catered meal ideas. Create personalized menus that cater to dietary preferences and individual tastes to enhance guest satisfaction and create memorable experiences.

• Track ingredients and avoid introducing allergens as you plan your menus with culinary operating systems. Get Entegra’s report on menu engineering: Build a better menu.

Adjusting your banquet foodservice to evolving customer preferences

In the realm of restaurant and hotel banquets, customers crave memorable experiences. That’s why the chefs at the Entegra Performance Kitchen recommend interactive action stations, where guests can choose between meat carving, plant-forward options and global flavors and cuisines. Transform cocktail hour by offering creative mixology bars with trendy nonalcoholic, mocktail drinks and more.

• Get the latest hospitality trends to incorporate into your next banquet in the 2024 Trends Report.

At Entegra, we understand the importance of keeping up with banquet trends. Our extensive range of cost-saving programs, technology solutions and business performance improvements can help you deliver exceptional dining experiences that meet your customers' evolving preferences.

Contact us to discuss taking your hospitality to the next level.