Giving the Children their own Choice
Many children will want to be like their mum and dad and have their own menu. If you are offering a child friendly environment then you must be able to accommodate their tastes and requirements. Often children under 10 will be more than satisfied with a child’s portion; however there should always be the flexibility and the option for a main menu dish to be prepared in a smaller portion but larger than a kid’s option, for those who require a little more. Designing a children’s menu will entail different rules and criteria than those associated with an adult menu.
General rules for designing a children’s menu
- Incorporate colours and amusing pictures to make the menu stand out for the children. Whereas adult menus need to be sophisticated, children’s menus need to be fun.
- Avoid using flimsy, paper menus wherever possible. As with all children’s items, durability is the key. If you want to incorporate some form of entertainment to occupy your younger guests a colouring page with puzzles etc. on disposable paper offered with a small pack of crayons should keep the children amused. Consider serving meals in fun activity boxes to add an extra element of fun.
- Remember that the children’s menu needs to cater for a wide age range. Any wording used needs to be carefully selected to avoid condescension. Children can often influence their parent’s decisions as to where they eat, so avoid treating children like babies, and they are more likely to select your restaurant to visit.
General tips for choosing children’s menu items
- The usual items found on a children’s menu consist of unhealthy pizzas, burgers, fish fingers etc.
- Offer alternatives alongside the normal choices. More and more parents are encouraging their children to eat healthily and to try a wide variety of food, so offering a varied selection will be appealing to both children and parents. Suggestions may be; grilled meats with vegetables, jacket potatoes, salads, stir-fry’s or mild curries.
General tips for pricing children’s menus
- Portions will generally be smaller, so pricing should reflect this.
- Offering a standard meal deal for children is a usual practice. For example; a drink, a children’s meal and a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
- Pricing should be worked out similarly to the adult menu; taking into consideration products, preparation costs etc. The price should cover your costs with a small profit but should also please the parents.
Giving the children the independence of their own menu may make them feel mature and valued, but you should also consider that parents will also be viewing it. Descriptions should be short but informative. Incorporating colour will attract the children, but should always be in keeping with your overall restaurant theme. If you are aiming to attract families, offering a children’s menu alone may not be enough. Your offers and promotions along with the overall atmosphere should aim to be conducive to the family crowd.