Indicators of F&B Expertise

In most European countries, it is still the exception rather than the rule for hotel chains to create their own restaurant brands and multiply them via their own hotels. Partnerships between hotels and external F&B brands are also rare on the continent and that despite the fact that they boost hotels' image and positioning. Our pan-European survey portrays hotel chains - from good and reasonably priced to elegant and expensive - with restaurant brands that underscore the qualities of the hotel and, in addition to hotel guests, attract outside guests, especially locals.

Exclusive Retreats for High Yield Passengers

Premium customers are the most coveted in the airline business. In the battle to attract this high-grade clientele, more and more airlines are banking on pre-flight services. Hence, a general improvement of lounge facilities can be observed worldwide. First and business class customers, as well as frequent flyers, can take advantage of luxuriously equipped airline lounges meeting five-star standards. A luxury, by the way, that can also be purchased without frequent flyer miles thanks to companies such as Priority Pass. Increasingly, the upgrading programme also includes a range of food & beverages that is no longer limited to a selection of snacks. Here is an overview including some examples of lounges run by the airport operators or ground services contractors themselves. MW

[28661 Zeichen]

Best 1st Class Lounges - Skytrax-Ranking 2008

€ 5,75

Fresh Ideas

Young, creative concepts from all over Europe: our virtual study tour reveals a number of key trends. Apart from strong dynamics in the fast-casual field, there is a striking large number of concepts focusing on healthier menus and healthier ingredients in terms of organic products or fair-trade sourcing. Combined, multi-use options include a mix of foodservice and retail outlets/gyms. From Scandinavia to Italy, wine and wine bars are very much en vogue - including new self-service solutions.

Daring to Be Different

Our colourful tour of Europe's foodservice scene focuses on young, unconventional concepts that dare to be different either in their entirety or in detail: ideas with innovative value added - original, striking and future-oriented. Some have already been multiplied. Most are still in the test phase. Behind the majority, you will find individual entrepreneurs - but not always. A kaleidoscope of creativity: be inspired!

Only a few US Chains

In Europe, pure steakhouse chains emerged in UK in the 50s, in France in the late 60s and in Scandinavia and Germany in the 70s. However, it was not until the late 80s that they reached Portugal, Spain and Italy, where chain operations still are in their early stage. Located centrally or as freestanders, often with farmhouse design or (modern) Argentine style, they all offer tableservice and are focused on grilled meat (up to 50% of sales). Average checks are about EUR 15-30 and sales go up to EUR 2-3 m/unit. After 2000, BSE and foot-and-mouth disease created great consumer uncertainty and many steakhouses expanded their menus to include fish, chicken and vegetarian alternatives. The demand for meat has been rising again since it has been possible to give consumers assurances about its origins. This has encouraged some chains to expand internationally - and not just within Europe. Interesting in this connection is the fact that US concepts hardly ever succeeded in Europe.

[42174 Zeichen]

UK: Top Steakhouses

UK: Pub Chains with Steaks

UK Steak Sales - beef frying/grilling steak -

€ 5,75

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Future-compatible

How to create foodservice concepts today that will still capture the spirit of the times tomorrow and satisfy future consumer needs and tastes? This is a key question at innumerable symposiums, congresses and market-research projects. One approach is to collect basic facts, study the parameters and evaluate trends. The other, to add intuition and inspiration. The best source of innovative impartiality: travelling, keeping your eyes open and learning. Hence our 'virtual' sightseeing tour of Europe to discover future-oriented ideas for concepts of supra-regional interest. Although the selection is subjective, the perspective is always professional. Country-by-country, we present 25 concepts - some individual, some already multiplied. The spectrum ranges from restaurants for kids to wine bars; from fast-food to a new interpretation of fine dining.

Meat-free and Healthy

Everywhere you look, sales of vegetarian meals are rocketing and not just since the BSE and foot-and-mouth crisis either. Vegetarianism has become nothing short of a mega trend amongst young female customers, who are deciding in droves to live on a meat-free diet. We analyse the concepts behind vegetarian restaurants and their evolution as well as the current status of vegetarian meals in 'normal' restaurants.

Microcosm Airport

Only 10 years ago the foodservice available at airports was pretty miserable but now airport sites get extremely high ratings from retail and restaurant professionals alike. People frequencies compare favourably with those of high-street locations. Among the highest revenue-earners are quickservice concepts, which are increasingly being grouped together in food courts. A pan-European overview.

[40821 Zeichen]

London F&B

SSP Europe

Brands at UK airports

€ 5,75