The restaurant industry has had to shift more in the past two years than it has in a whole decade. This is largely due to up-and-coming trends taking the industry by storm.
Some trends—such as takeout dining options, international flavors, customizable menu options and community service—will only continue to grow.
To-Go Is For Good
One of the most prominent changes that stemmed from the pandemic was the booming demand for takeout dining options, such as contactless pickup and delivery. Technology itself has fueled innovation in all industries, and as digital platforms continue to evolve, so will businesses everywhere.
Angry Crab Shack has already hopped aboard this flourishing to-go trend, offering online ordering, third-party delivery, pick-up stations at every location and improved take-out packaging. Their partnerships with platforms like DoorDash and GrubHub have allowed them to continue serving their guests the mouth-watering flavors they know and love.
Angry Crab Shack couldn’t have achieved this without their dedication to keeping their “to-go” meals just as fresh as if guests were ordering them in the restaurant. The key was incorporating packaging that maintains the freshness of the items and accommodates longer delivery and drive times for guests who pick up their orders. Not only do their take-out options meet the needs of their customers, but they also provide additional revenue streams for their Franchise Partners.
Spicy, International Flavors
Comfort food is another trend that is expected to continue throughout 2022. For many consumers, seafood is the ideal comfort food, and that’s just one of the reasons Angry Crab Shack is so proud to serve it. After all, during such uncertain times, people just want to be able to sit down for dinner, forget about it all and let the savory flavors take them to their “happy place.”
Speaking of flavors, the favorability of spicy, international flavors is predicted to be one of this year’s biggest trends. As a recent article explains, “Borderless cuisine,” or meals that contain flavor profiles from different parts of the world, is taking over.
As explained by an executive chef based out of Washington D.C., “You’ll see a lot of blending of foods of chefs reconnecting with their culture and history, and combining it with techniques and inspiration for where they are in their lives now.”
That is precisely what Angry Crab Shack’s founder, former NFL player Ron Lou, achieved. He took the bold flavors from the Asian cuisine he grew up with and combined it with southern seafood favorites to create the Asian-Cajun flavors guests can’t get enough of.
A Unique and Customizable Dining Experience
Before the pandemic began, a major trend in the restaurant industry was the concept of experiential dining which is predicted to continue as restaurants reopen their doors. The whole Angry Crab Shack concept was built with that trend in mind. When a guest steps into any location, they are transported to a unique, laid-back atmosphere that truly makes it feel as if they are dining at a traditional ocean-side shack.
Not only are consumers focused on the dine-in environment, but they also like to see offerings that cater to their liking. Angry Crab Shack doesn’t just partake in this trend, but they designed a whole section of their menu that is 100 percent customizable!
When ordering seafood boil, guests can assemble their own variety packs, choosing from options like Dungeness crab, shrimp, crawfish, mussels and lobster. They can even choose from different sauces, spices and add-ons.
Angry Crab Shack’s unique flavor profiles are what makes them part of an underserved category—meaning they have fewer direct competitors than most other dining concepts. They have perfected seafood boil with bold Asian-Cajun flavors that no one else has.
A Restaurant Franchise Dedicated to Community
Finally, one crucial trend for restaurants to consider is getting involved in the community. Ever since Angry Crab Shack began, they have supported several charities through fundraising, partnerships and volunteering.
Their menu features a full selection of items in which, when ordered by guests, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The franchise has also supported other nonprofits centered around children, veterans, food insecurity and animals. This is just one way Angry Crab Shack gives back to the communities they serve. They look for Franchise Partners who have the same passion for helping others and creating a memorable dining experience for seafood lovers everywhere.
