2017 The online revolution in hospitality

"What The Fork"  (WTF)

A relevant, whimsical, honest review of 2017 in the hospitality business!   By Barry Kay

2017 has been a tumultuous year for the people and businesses around the world.  In the U.S. the presidential election proved just how divided this country has become. Advancements made in technology, AI, and challenges to the traditional way of buying and selling have been amazing and daunting for many of us. The laissez faire attitude of the Obama administration has now changed to the more conservative and ever changing road rules of Donald Trump.

 

There has also been a major shift in the buying and dining habits of U.S. consumers. Millenials are now in the drivers seat in setting the new trends. Millenials are not interested in spending hours in malls shopping or in luxe restaurants dining. Their preference is to keep their heads down and stay glued to their I phones and their favorite apps. Hundreds of millions of viewers are now addicted to Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and Google.  They are influenced by friends, neighbors, and social media sites such as Yelp,
and Trip Advisor. and less influenced by newspapers, the media, and cable. Their work ethic is less driven, casual and they treasure quality of life issues, family, and peace.
Right behind the millenials are the aggressive, brilliant Gen Z kids. Today it is not uncommon for 13-16 year olds advising Fortune 500 companies on buying habits and hot buttons for this generation. Many of the Z generation were entrepreneurial almost at birth and a growing number have become millionaires before they reach 20.

 

The changing buying and retail landscape has resulted more deserted shopping malls,
a reduction in the number of restaurants throughout the city as competition has increased from innovative small ethnic restaurants popping up in previously unfashionable areas of Brooklyn, Queens, Astoria, the Bronx and Staten Island. Amazon, Walmart and the merger of QVC and HSN will dominate the buying world  through their painless push button ability to deliver merchandise virtually anywhere within hours not days. 

 UPS and Fed Ex are slowly fading into the sunset as drones are making deliveries within minutes.  AI is a double edged sword in that its innovation has made life more interesting and less stressful on one hand, and on the other it could also be the beginning of the end for hundreds of thousands of less skilled workers in factories, restaurants, sales, banks, and manufacturing.

We are living in a very challenging time as a country and on a personal level. We are also living in a time when our demographics are rapidly changing. America is now a potpourri of many different cultures and ethnicities. In the next 20 years we will not be a predominantly Caucasian land and our goods and services must appeal to a new generation of Asians, Spanish, Blacks, and Africans.

 

Restaurants, Fast food chains, hotels and spas reflect the dynamic changes we are undergoing. Take out, catering, and meals that can be consumed in an hour or less are now in vogue.  Shake Shack, and Panera are growing and gaining traction while more established franchises such as McDonalds, Burger King, and Kentucky Fried and Dominos, are renovating and upgrading their venues to compete.  Healthy food is the quest of the American public and kale, quinoa, and vegan menus are now featured in upscale and mass market venues.

Given the choice of cooking in or dining out, dining out is winning for a number of valid reasons.  In many young families, the husband and wife both work an are exhausted when they come home. Dining in has experienced a resurgence with the advent of prepackaged meals delivered to your home.   During the day, food trucks often are the dominant force with their diverse cuisine and quick delivery.

 

Neighborhood restaurants are showing consistent growth because of their convenience, reasonable pricing and knowledge about their consumers.

 

Food Trends_

 

 Locally sourced and grown meat, fish, and produce are much sought after as we move away from artificial ingredients, chemical fertilizers, and hormone free beef and poultry.

The popularity of the Mediterranean diet- Fish, vegetables,

Fruits, and nuts as popular snacks in place of sugar sweets and drinks.

Ethnic food trends- the growth of Korean and Thai food and the continued growth of Sushi and Sashimi, Coming soon Phillipine cuisine.

Fabulous Mexican and South American Cuisine from Peru, Columbia and Ecuador.

Juicing- For cleansing, and eradication of toxins in the body.

The growth of Vegan cooking- Today vegetable dishes are able to simulate and taste like meats and fish with the benefit of being totally healthy.

 

To be successful in retail and in dining, requires an emphasis on gracious hospitality, and delivering a fun and enjoyable atmosphere as well as fine food. To survive in today's restaurant world also means honing your catering skills. Dining may dominate the latter portion of every week, but catering in house and away supports the overhead when diners do not fill the restaurant. Catering is profitable and builds business for your restaurant.

 

Events that attract attention are also very important to the success of local restaurants.

Cigar nights, wine tasting, cooking demos, and sports nights are all major draws.

 

Hotels, Spas, and resorts are a reflection of our current times an its trends. Top hotels look to satisfy the needs and wants of their very sophisticated clientele. Having a Spa, small gym, and pool are almost a given when building a new hotel. Hotel dining can be an exercise in frustration as even with the finest dining room and top chef, travelers like to move around and not just dine at their own hotel. The challenge is to offer different dining rooms and cuisines to give travelers choices, and new experiences.  Price is also a factor for families with children.

 

The Best of Long Island- Restaurants, Pizza Emporiums, and Hotels

 

After literally dining in hundreds of restaurants, and pizza venues, I have subjectively chosen my best list.  My criteria is relatively simple. I am loyal to restaurants where there is a welcoming host, consistently fine food, a professional wait staff, and attention to rest room facilities.  It is a major turn off to eat a great meal and then venture into the bathroom to find a dirty and odifereous mens or ladies room.

 

My Top restaurants are:

 

Italian Restaurans- Stresa, Cipollini, Il Bacco, Ponte Mollo, Parkside, Il Mulino, Franina, Diane's Trattoria. Antonette's,

 

Steak restaurants- Bryant and Cooper, Peter Lugers, Franks

 

Pan Asian-  Pearl East, Toku,

 

Greek and Mediterranean- Crabtrees, Kyma, Limani,

 

Continental-  Gatsby's Landing,

 

Seafood- Ocean, Jolly Fisherman

 

Mexican- Besito and Green Cactus

 

Pizza and Family Style- Abeetza Pizza, Ralph's, Vincents, Eddies Pizza, Fiamma 41

 

Top Hotel Recommendations-

 

The Hilton Short Hills- The Viana Hotel, The Inn at Great Neck

 

Car Rentals- Enterprise

 

There are so many great restaurants in Brooklyn, Astoria, Queens and the Hamptons but that is another day and blog.

 

For now the list that I have written will keep you and your family entertained, well fed and happy for months.

 

Table With A View will explore new restaurants, fabulous old world venues, and we will venture into the fabulous world of automobiles.  Back in 2001 I created "Drive Time" an automotive section in the Anton newspapers and Long Island Business News. With the advent of the electric car business and the most fabulous vehicles that can travel by air, sea, and land, it is now once again the time to discuss and report on an industry that is evolving every day. Within the next  20 years of less, gasoline engines are going the way of the horse and buggy.

 

Come along for the Ride.....