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© 2023 Technomic, Inc. This report is authorized for use solely by the parties noted in the written contract. No part of the publication may be reprinted, redistributed or put into an electronic or information retrieval system without prior permission of Technomic, Inc.Image Source: ShutterstockNovember 2023Consumers & Their Needs: Value & PricingFoodservice Happenings: Starters, Small Plates & Sides

© 2023 Technomic, Inc. 2The restaurant industry in 2023 is seeing a transformation in how promotions and deals influence customer visits. Half-off specials and BOGO deals are increasingly likely to drive visits compared to 2021. Additionally, coupons, all-you-can-eat specials and loyalty programs rank among the top promotions, with half of consumers agreeing that these deals are likely to influence them to visit. Value meals and bundles have also gained traction in the past two years in terms of their ability to drive consumers to restaurants. There has also been growth in terms of the variety of sources from which consumers receive information about deals and promotions. In particular, wordof mouth, social media and restaurant websites have become more popular sources for finding deals.Source: Technomic 2023 Value & Pricing Consumer Trend Report Image Source: ShutterstockValue & PricingUse deals and promotions to boost customer trafficBy John Williams, Research & Insights Manager

© 2023 Technomic, Inc. 3Base: Approx. 600 consumersQ: How likely or unlikely are the following specials or promotions to influence you to visit a restaurant or other foodservice location?TakeawayStrategically select deals/promotions by analyzing factors like customer preferences, market trends and timing of promotions to maximize their impactBy carefully choosing promotions, considering their impact on customer traffic and balancing them with profit margins, operators can effectively attract and retain customers while also capitalizing on the appeal of specials.60%59%57%55%53%52%51%51%51%49%49%47%44%43%43%52%52%48%44%49%40%48%42%46%41%43%37%38%Two for $5 deal (e.g., two sandwiches for $5, etc.)Half-off specialsBuy one item, get one free specials$5 meal deal/$5 boxValue menusCouponsAll-you-can-eat specialsBuy one, take one home specialsFree item with purchaseLoyalty or rewards programsBundled meals for twoBuy one item, get one half off specialsBundled meals for a familyFree items when you perform an action20232021LIKELIHOOD OF SPECIALS OR PROMOTIONS TO DRIVE VISITS% LIKELY/EXTREMELY LIKELY

© 2023 Technomic, Inc. 4There’s consumer demand for dishes that are shareable and craveable within the appetizers, small plates and sides categories. Not only are consumers searching for shareable items, but they are more likely to purchase appetizers that can be shared, as well as more likely to order small plates to split with a larger group. Along similar lines, consumers are also more likely to visit a specific restaurant due to craving one of their small plate or side options. Among all three mealparts, consumers are rating craveable options significantly higher than when previously surveyed in 2021. To satisfy consumers’ desires, operators can menu sample platters or flights that offer an experience and encourage sharing while keeping in mind the craveable aspect that consumers are also searching for.Source: Technomic 2023 Starters, Small Plates & Sides Consumer Trend Report Image Source: ShutterstockStarters, Small Plates & SidesSharable and craveable items on the riseBy Mary Clare Metherd, Research & Insights Senior Research Analyst

© 2023 Technomic, Inc. 5Base: Varies by statementQ: You indicated that you’ve noticed prices increasing at restaurants over the past year. How, if at all, has this impacted your consumption from restaurants?.Source: Technomic 2023 Starters, Small Plates & Sides Consumer Trend ReportTakeawayGiven higher menu prices, consumers are cutting back on aspects of the meal or searching for deals when ordering these mealpartsConsumers report that they are noticing higher menu prices and are therefore ordering appetizers less often. It’s essential to draw in consumers by offering deals or shareable options for their dining party. Additionally, consider being strategic by pairing any price increases with messaging around value and quality. IMPACT OF PRICE INCREASES ON APPETIZERS, SMALL PLATES AND SIDES35%31%28%27%24%19%29%36%26%31%22%25%27%35%28%27%16%24%I'm ordering these options from restaurant less oftenI'm seeking out more specials and deals for these optionsThis hasn't impacted my consumptionI'm ordering less-expensive options from the same restaurants Itypically visitI'm sharing options with others more often to split the costI'm visiting different restaurants with lower-priced optionsAppetizersSmall platesSides