1. Know your audience
The target audience of the children's menu is not only children, but also their parents. Parents are often the decision-makers when it comes to meal choices, so your menu should appeal to them too. Healthy choices, variety and value for money are some of the factors parents consider.
2. Offer healthy options
Health-conscious parents are always looking for nutritious meal options for their children. Adding fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains to your child's menu can make it more appealing to these parents. Also, consider offering alternatives to fried foods and sugary drinks.
3. Keep it fun and engaging
Children love fun and creativity. Incorporating it into your menu can make it more attractive to them. Try serving meals in fun shapes, using creative names, or adding interactive elements like homemade tacos or pizza.
4. Portion Control
Remember, children have smaller appetites. Offering smaller portions not only satisfies their needs but also helps you control food costs. Additionally, consider offering a variety of side dishes for the kids to choose from. This creates a sense of richness and allows them to try different things.
5. Value for money
Parents value value for money. Offering a kid's meal deal, where entrees, sides, drinks and desserts are bundled together at a discount, can be a good strategy. It provides parents with an easy option and helps you increase your average transaction value.
6. Get the kids involved
Consider involving your children in the menu creation process. You could hold a contest where kids submit their favorite healthy recipes, and the winning recipe will appear on the menu. Not only does this give you insight into what your children like, but it also creates a sense of ownership and excitement among them.
7. Update the menu regularly
Children love novelty. Regularly updating your kids' menu can keep them excited and eager to come back. Seasonal dishes or special occasion menus (such as Halloween or Christmas menus) can add variety and novelty.
8. Allergen-free options
Many children have food allergies. Offering allergen-free options or the ability to modify dishes to accommodate allergies can make your restaurant a top choice for families.
Creating a profitable kids menu requires striking a balance between content that kids will love, content that parents will approve of, and content that's good for your bottom line. With these tips, you can create a children's menu that will be popular with your little guests and their parents.