The rising awareness of animal welfare and climate change in recent years is contributing to changes in eating habits in society. More and more people are choosing to eat a plant-based diet and eliminate or greatly reduce their consumption of products of animal origin. Especially if no compromises have to be made in the taste of vegan food.
Many restaurateurs see the trend as an opportunity to open their own vegan restaurant and meet the new needs of diners. We will show you what to look for when opening a vegan restaurant and how to make your vegan dishes a success.
What reasons are there for opening a vegan restaurant?
Vegan diets have enjoyed increased attention in recent years. No wonder – many health and ethical considerations favor reducing animal food components and switching to a plant-based diet. Vegan foods are considered healthier and are also more friendly to animals and the environment than products of animal origin. Furthermore, their production causes lower CO2 emissions and is usually more resource-efficient.
Even if the number of vegans in Germany is still relatively low at two percent (source: BMEL 2021) the developments in recent years speak for themselves. The number of people who now and then, frequently or almost always do without products of animal origin (the so-called "flexitarians") is increasing, as is the general interest in the vegan type of diet. At the same time, the prevalence and availability of meat substitutes and vegan products in every conceivable form and flavor are growing in the marketplace. Vegan restaurants can meet the new eating habits of society and offer real value through varied, vegan cuisine.
6 tips for opening a vegan restaurant
Opening a vegan restaurant involves many considerations and should be well thought out. We explain the six most important tips for making a vegan restaurant concept a success.
- First of all, it is important that you know about vegan nutrition – at best, you even live according to this type of nutrition yourself. Only this way you can stand one hundred percent behind your business idea and concept and embody authenticity.
- To stand out from potential competitors, consider the unique selling proposition of the vegan restaurant. This will create memorability and encourage your guests to visit again.
- Create a vegan menu with a recognizable common thread that appeals not only to vegans, but equally to health-conscious people. This way you do not limit the target group of your restaurant too much and can inspire a larger group of people (also flexitarians, vegetarians and non-vegans) with your vegan dishes.
- Be transparent about the ingredients and origin of your food. Consumers are increasingly attaching importance to a certain quality and regionality of ingredients as a result of growing awareness regarding nutrition and health.
- Create curiosity and variety for guests with seasonal specialties and promotions. Communicate those extensively on your marketing channels as well as highly visible at the restaurant.
- The delivery business is booming more than ever. Make sure your dishes are suitable for take-out and offer them to delivery services as well as to go. Make sure you use suitable sustainable packaging as well.
Conclusion: Vegan restaurant – a concept with a future?
Vegan nutrition is diverse, healthy and more in demand than ever. It can be assumed that veganism is not just a passing trend, but a trend with a future. With their concept, vegan restaurants show that plant-based dishes do not mean renunciation, but exciting culinary variety. It caters to far more than just the tastes of vegans and convinces other target groups of a more health-conscious and sustainable diet.
Source:
