Some people call Boston Market a failure. I call it an inspiration, because it got a lot of complacent grocery store chains to start building instore prepared foods programs in the mid-90s. Many of those programs weren’t that great, but it was a step in the right direction.
Now that you’ve done all you can to cater to the Obesity Issue (zero trans fats – “check”; nutritionals on menus –“check”; smaller portions – “check”) then surely by now you’ve been wondering how you’re going to tackle the Green Movement. Also referred to as Sustainability, Carbon Footprinting, Food Miles, or Social Responsibility, saving the planet is quickly replacing eating healthy as the country’s new cause celebre to rally behind for the foreseeable future. Handled correctly, it can be a win-win collaborative effort among consumers, operators, suppliers, and government. But already, there are signs that this worthy cause could be twisted and used simply as an excuse to cut costs and services that ultimately will alienate consumers and could create a green backlash.
Now that you’ve done all you can to cater to the Obesity Issue (zero trans fats – “check”; nutritionals on menus –“check”; smaller portions – “check”) then surely by now you’ve been wondering how you’re going to tackle the Green Movement. Also referred to as Sustainability, Carbon Footprinting, Food Miles, or Social Responsibility, saving the planet is quickly replacing eating healthy as the country’s new cause celebre to rally behind for the foreseeable future. Handled correctly, it can be a win-win collaborative effort among consumers, operators, suppliers, and government. But already, there are signs that this worthy cause could be twisted and used simply as an excuse to cut costs and services that ultimately will alienate consumers and could create a green backlash.
With names like “Cocaine” and “Bawls” found on beverages these days, why would anyone think twice about potential newcomers like “Tru Blood” or “Booty Sweat.” But increasingly, consumers will have to think twice about whether a new edgy product is going to make them look cool or feel like a sucker, literally.
Picture this would-be health-conscious business traveler, wandering aimlessly through Dallas Forth Worth airport from one smoothie bar to another over the years in search of a smoothie that’s not made with ice cream or frozen yogurt, and which has more than 2 grams of protein in it. After riding the Skywalk from terminal to terminal looking at menu boards and nutritional cards for The Grove, Smoothie King, Freshens, ICBY, Frulatti, and Camille’s, he finally settles on Smoothie King’s The Hulk Chocolate smoothie with 29 g of protein and a whopping 846 calories—but not without guilt feelings afterwards.
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