Consumers love convenience almost as much as they love a delicious meal. And increasingly, their desire for simple, ready-made meals is leading them straight to “grocerants,” a hybrid, multi-service destination that combines some of the best elements of both grocery stores and restaurants. Is this a trend worth pursuing at your operation? If so, what should you be thinking about today to see the greatest profits down the road? The operations that succeed in this popular space typically share several common characteristics.

Successful grocerants come in all shapes and sizes

The first question many operations ask is whether they can pull this off at all. It’s the classic, “if you build it, will they come” question and the short answer is: yes, more than likely. Nearly any foodservice operation can expand its freshly made, ready-to-eat or heat-and-eat offerings in ways that satisfy their customers and build profits. The operations that see the greatest return on their investments are the ones that thoroughly assess customer needs and tastes then tailor what they offer to match.

Successful grocerants make ordering and pickup easy

To win the grocerant game, it’s important to think in terms of total customer experience. Everything matters. Is it just as convenient to order and pick up food as it will be to enjoy it after the purchase? Are there ways you can streamline phone and online ordering to make it as seamless as possible? Do you have enough staff to serve customers both before and after they arrive? What else can you do to make the experience one of the highlights of your customers’ hectic days? Think through anything and everything to ensure you’ve removed any unnecessary barriers.

Successful grocerants surprise and delight

Another important way to deliver on that total customer experience is to go beyond the expected when it comes to menu offerings. Don’t hesitate to mix things up. While some customers are looking for traditional offerings, others may be looking for offerings less ordinary. Think stir fry stations, noodle bars, unanticipated smoothie creations or something else altogether. Consider having a rotating weekly or monthly special to see what’s striking just the right chord.

Of course, the equipment you choose also plays a key role in your ultimate success. Make sure it’s up to any challenge that comes its way. At Ovention, our complete lineup of real-world-ready ovens will help you take full advantage of the grocerant trend.