Today, kids play a vital role in determining where a family is going to eat, as the majority of Millennial families allow their children to lead or play a major role in the dining-out decision. Operators can attract more families to their operation by creating interesting, kid-friendly beverages parents approve of and kids crave.
Frozen beverages are a great place to begin a creative and balanced kids’ menu. Not only are these cool treats highly craved by younger patrons, but they are also quick and easy to assemble for the commercial chain operator. Serving both frappes and smoothies also helps strike a balance between healthy and indulgent options, which as studies show will help entice kids to order a specialty beverage.
“It’s important for kid-focused items to not appear as an afterthought on your menu. Not only will this help attract a younger audience, but it will also prove to parents that you’re paying attention to kids’ preferences,” says Katie Fordonski, brand manager for Kerry Foodservice Beverage Brands. “At Kerry, we have a variety of indulgent frappe and healthy smoothie mixes and to help bring kids’ beverage menus to the next level.”
One of Kerry’s brands, Big Train, offers Kidz Kreamz, a line of frappe mixes made just for kids. Simply blend together ice, drink mix, and milk or water to create an instant frappe kids crave. Classic childhood-inspired flavors include: Bubble Gum, Cotton Candy, Orange Cream, Wild Berry Blast, and Banana Splitastic. Menuing creamy, caffeine-free frappes creates a fun beverage destination for the whole family, while increasing check sizes and profit margins.
In addition to indulgent frappes, operators can balance the kids’ menu with natural fruit and veggie smoothies—made easy with Kerry’s DaVinci Gourmet All Natural Smoothies. Featuring a variety of mouthwatering flavors that kids love, these better-for-you beverage mixes contain up to two servings of fruit per 8-ounce drink to make parents happy and provide long hold times to support high volume operations.
“Ultimately, the key is to find a way to appeal to both parents and kids,” says Fordonski. “Doing so will keep the whole family feeling welcome by allowing mom and dad to have what they want while the kids sip on something crafted especially for them.”
