Maximize Grab & Go opportunities in your catering design

A survey conducted by Technomic found that 69% of customers are turning to grab-and-go food for "added convenience," while 45% of restaurant customers are doing so for the same level of convenience. The grab-and-go trend is here to stay, but what can designers do to maximize the potential of this new opportunity? Let's take a look at some of the ways restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets can capitalize on this trend.

Focus on displays

The way food is displayed can have a big impact on the success (or failure) of a take-out restaurant. Ideally, restaurants should use equipment such as displays and vending machines to capture the attention of onlookers and encourage purchases. Using the right lighting can also draw customers to specific food items marked for grab-and-go.

Consider placement

Takeaway food items are best placed near doors that allow customers to enter and exit quickly. Likewise, grab-and-go displays should be clearly marked so that customers in a hurry know where they can grab a meal and get on with their day.

Pay attention to POS placement

Once a customer has a grab-and-go item in hand, that person should be able to easily find where the checkout line and POS system are located. The trend of take and go is to get as many customers in and out of the establishment as possible to maximize the bottom line.

Avoid creating traffic

While displays such as beverage coolers and heating equipment are valuable, unfortunately they can cause problems if not placed properly in the restaurant. Keep these displays out of sight, but away from high-traffic areas, such as the register. The take-and-go trend is all about speed and efficiency.

Use unique displays like food warming cart

Today, there is a wide variety of displays to choose from - restaurants should not limit themselves when choosing items such as display cases and shelving. For example, curved displays can create a sleek, eye-catching look that may entice more customers to take items as soon as they walk in the door.

Consider accessibility

Display cases should not only attract the attention of customers, but they should also be functional. This means customers should be able to easily access them without other items and staff should be able to replenish them quickly and efficiently when stock runs low.

Consider versatility

Ideally, displays should serve a dual purpose: to maintain the quality of hot food while showcasing its best features. However, this is easier said than done. Since different foods require different temperature and humidity levels (think: fried chicken fingers versus hot pretzels), foodservice facilities need multifunctional equipment, such as Hatco's Smart Heated Display Cabinet with Humidity, to showcase food while protecting its integrity through humidity and temperature balance control. For cold foods, check out cold racks or hot/cold water wells.

Take advantage of the grab &go trend

There are many ways designers can help foodservice establishments make the most of the grab-and-go trend. With Hatco displays, merchandisers and lighting, any design consultant can help restaurateurs improve their bottom line with a range of grab-and-go solutions that will keep customers coming back for more!

Keywords: kitchen equipment

Originally published 15 Jan 2023, updated 15 Jan 2023.