1. Access to affordable food

Known as the “Enigma Generation,” 35% of millennials, according to a Deloitte study, often compromise their values to save on money.

The generational group look for healthy foods at unbeatable prices. It looks for value for money when picking out restaurants to dine out.

According to the CMS report, millennials live as couples without kids or with their parents to save money and spend more on food. The group eats out at least four times on a monthly basis with 36% of the generation willing paying more for outstanding restaurant services.

2. Unique dining experiences

When choosing a place to eat out, millennials look for “a new experience.” According to the CMS global law firm report above, 53% of respondents cited unique experiences as a factor when selecting restaurants for dining.

On the other hand, 52% of the respondents cited unique food as an important factor. However, 35% of the respondents valued outstanding service when eating out.

Millennials share photos or videos of the unique foods they eat at restaurants with their peers on social media such as Instagram and Facebook.

Therefore, restaurants create experienced-based environment to stand out from the competition. They incorporate live entertainment, unique décor, paint-and-sip events, game nights or even eclectic menus together with delicious meals to offer unique dining experiences.

Wearables and augmented reality help restaurants to create and offer truly unique dining experiences to millennials. AR-based food ordering systems allow consumers to “sit down” to virtual meals when choosing menus.

It’s possible to visit music festivals, like favorite restaurants on social media, and explore details of menus using similar technology. It’s also possible to scan food orders using phones, vote for the best restaurant dishes and watch the art of making food using AR technology.

3. Organic and healthy foods

Britain, according to the Vegan Society, has more than half a million vegans.

And…

Millenials, according to the Organic Trade Association, make up 52% of organic consumers. Moreover, they consume about 52% more veggies than earlier generations.

The use of plant-based ingredients to prepare meaty foods known as “plant-based meats” has heightened the popularity of veganism.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), millennials prefer menus with fruits and vegetables. They also opt for ancient grains, meatless food options and healthier menus for kids.

4. Convenience and delivery of food

Millennials, according to the National Restaurant Association, love deli food, pizza over coffee, fast foods, and fine or casual dining.

Restaurants offer meal kits, food trucks and delivery services for convenience. Meal plans, delivery systems and the use of technology support restaurants’ efforts to offer convenient and unique dining experiences.

Self-services kiosks are convenient and enhance customer experience. Payments apps and cards, customized meals, and trying out new restaurant and food experiences also drive convenience to meet consumer needs.

5. Connecting to restaurants through technology

Millennials dine at restaurants with good social media ratings and 25% are willing to pay more at such places. This is attributed to the group’s high presence on social media; they want to share their experiences with peers.

47% of millennials want to be able to order food and drinks in advance, 44% want to make payments through an app, and 34% seek to order food electronically.

PayPal runs an app that allows consumers to order food before arriving at a preferred restaurant.

Technology can allow consumers to order food and drinks from their phones before arrival. Millennials should also be able to pay bills either via an app or online.