1851

Millennials are a generation described in a lot of ways by a lot of people. &nbsp;Whether these early 20- to late 30-year-olds embody or defy society&rsquo;s stereotypes of them, there is one thing for certain &mdash; they are emerging consumers with spending power that they use selectively, and the restaurant industry has changed enormously due to their influence. Now, it&rsquo;s imperative for industry players to pay attention. &nbsp;

An inclination toward the healthy option

1851 Franchise Chief Development Strategist Sean Fitzgerald said he&rsquo;s seen a massive shift in the QSR space toward healthier and faster. &nbsp;&ldquo;Millennials move fast. Their days are packed and they don&rsquo;t want to spend time waiting in line, but they aren&rsquo;t willing to sacrifice quality of food. They are rewarding brands that are able to provide higher-quality, more natural food that plugs into their schedule,&rdquo; Fitzgerald said. 

An emphasis on speed and simplicity via technology

&ldquo;QSR franchises that are improving their technology to improve speed of service are the ones accommodating millennials most effectively,&rdquo; Fitzgerald said. Features like mobile ordering and electronic menu boards that mitigate transactions allow for more productive use of time when there isn&rsquo;t much to be had and position brands favorably with this audience. &nbsp;

These developments pair best with a product that is simple &mdash; a distinct offering with a succinct menu. 

&ldquo;Brands also need to understand their target audience and execute at a high level,&rdquo; Fitzgerald added. &ldquo;Mistakes are made when brands try to accommodate too large of a customer base. Millennials are key responders to the simplicity model.&rdquo; 

Dining in is Out

Delivery services like Postmates, Uber Eats and GrubHub, among others, provide consumers with endless options from the comfort of their own residence, and millennials are at the forefront of that shift. &ldquo;Consumers&rsquo; at-home food options have expanded exponentially, revolutionizing the industry and forcing brands to adapt or become irrelevant,&rdquo; Fitzgerald said

3 Restaurant Industry Shifts Owed to Millennial Influence

1851 Franchise

Like it or not, they can’t be ignored. Here’s a list of 3 ways millennial purchasing behavior is affecting the whole industry.

3-restaurant-industry-shifts-owed-to-millennial-influence

Children's Lighthouse

How Children’s Lighthouse Stands Out Among Other Children’s Education, Childcare, and Daycare Franchises

how-childrens-lighthouse-stands-out-among-other-childrens-education-childcare-and-daycare-franchises

The Growth Coach

The Growth Coach Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

the-growth-coach-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

Why One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Sees People as the Power Behind Franchise Growth

one-hour-heating-air-conditioning-franchise-growth

Lawn Doctor

Design with photo of John Perry and Lawn Doctor logo

How a 20-Year Industry Veteran Tripled His Sales With a Lawn Doctor Franchise

lawn-doctor-franchise-success-story-john-perry

Fitness Premier

The Secret to Fitness Franchise Success? It's Not Just the Workouts

fitness-premier-franchise-marketing-support

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Power Eats: Smoothie King Rolls Out Food Nationwide To Fuel Franchise Growth

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

3 Restaurant Industry Shifts Owed to Millennial Influence

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS