Food service management trends 2015

The Biggest Food Service Management Trends of 2015

There are few industries quite as competitive as food service. From ever-shifting consumer purchasing trends to constant technological advancements, there are many, complex factors that go into a successful food service management strategy. Expanding your knowledge base and training in food service management is key to keeping on top of the most current trends in the industry, and maintaining your position as a leader.

Learn About Computer-Based Management Systems

It may seem obvious that information technology is important to any industry. What might not be so evident is how necessary it is to your success, to update and implement the newest, innovative software into your management systems. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has shown that consumer food prices are on the rise, and to capture your share of those dollars, data management should be a top priority. Your education should include computer applications courses for front- and back-of-the-house access points, with which employees can interact. 

Food Prices Chart

There are a wide variety of systems for all-sized operations. Managers will want to carefully select ones that integrate scheduling, inventory control, and customer satisfaction into a seamless interface. The ideal system will allow managers to pull segmented data from the POS (Point of Sale) system in real-time. In this way, issues can be identified and rectified immediately, with a record of actions taking place. These systems allow management to more efficiently organize and track data to maximize productivity and quality of service. 

Whether you're looking to update an existing system or to install a completely new one, consider these questions:

  • How long will it take to train the staff to use the system?
  • Does the system offer dynamic segmentation of data?
  • Is the system compatible with current hardware?
  • What kind of support does the software company offer?

Learn How to Increase Employee Satisfaction in a Food Service Operation

The turnover rate in the food service industry has historically been high. Current trends in food service have been focused on teaching management entrepreneurship skills to increase employee engagement and to nurture a more stable, core workforce of loyal, experienced employees. Management software systems are a great way to track hard workers and reward them for their service. Employees need to feel that they and their colleagues are being held accountable to fair standards of conduct. Simple evaluation and incentive programs can go far towards building a culture of success. 

Keys to retaining your employees' engagement include these simple steps:

  • Good training: Set clear expectations up front and provide adequate training for employees to get started. Positive reinforcement is a valuable tool!
  • Open door management: Workers need to know it is safe for them to voice concerns or ideas about the workplace.
  • Incentivize engagement: Be creative about reward programs for employees that go above and beyond. These don't always have to be monetary, sometimes a simple act of acknowledgement can boost morale and create a feeling of ownership. 

Learn About Green Food Service

Eco-friendly food isn't just for hippies anymore. Even big fast food chains like Burger King are embracing food sustainability and humane animal treatment practices. Consumers are more conscious than ever of where their food comes from and how it gets on their plates. News sites dedicated to the food industry, such as FoodNavigator, predicts a rise of 14% in the organic food market. Being aware of these trends and making sustainable and eco-friendly choices available to customers is an important strategy for staying marketable in the current food industry environment. With this includes factors such as:

  • Knowing where your food supplies come from
  • Making sure your supplies are fresh and properly stored/disposed of
  • Letting your customers know when free-range or organic ingredients are being used
  • Training staff on what terms like "gluten free" or "organic" really mean, so they can, in turn, explain the benefits of these choices to curious customers

These are a few of the major trends driving food service management this year. By understanding the use of information technology, engaging employees, and embracing the green food movement, you can position yourself as a leader in the food service industry. It's a dynamic and fast-changing field, so staying current can mean the difference between success and failure. 

Start on Top, With the Best Knowledge Available - Earn a Degree in Food Service Management

Leaning how to recognize the most important trends and stay current in the industry is a skill that can be learned through rigorous training and mentorship. The right degree program in food service management can give you a foundation in entrepreneurship, computer applications, and leadership necessary for a sweet future. 

If you're interested in learning more about pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Service Management, contact ECPI University today to learn how you could earn your degree in as little as 2.5 years through our year-round schedule—it could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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