Food Service Segments

 Food Service Segments

               Three different segments of the food service sector are Full service, Quick service and Retail Hosts. The full service segment is made up of dining locations that do not require customers to prepare or serve their own meals. The full service restaurants often feature menu selections according to cuisine type. Its prices may vary between moderate to very expensive. According to the National Restaurant Association this segment of the industry has experienced the largest drop in sales. The quick service segment is usually fast food chains and casual restaurants that offer buffets and take out service. They feature menus centered on a certain food, such as American or subs. Meals are prepared immediately after order is taken, serving times are usually within minutes and prices are relatively in expensive. Food may be consumed off premises at a customer’s home or work. The retail hosts segment is located with in a gas station and grocery stores. These typically are franchises of major brands, such as specialty coffee or fast food chains. These locations give customers the option of freshly prepared meals at a reasonable price. In 2010 the retail host segment experienced some the restaurant industry’s solid growth according to The National Restaurant Association.

                  Identifying 3 characteristics of each segment of full service, quick service and retail host would be prices, service style and atmosphere. In the full service prices are usually 20 dollars a plate. The service style is sit down dining with more formal waiters. The atmosphere is often family friendly and brightly decorated, The quick service segment prices are usually meals 6 dollars or less. The service style can be threw a drive threw or service counter with more than 1 cashier. The atmosphere is usually fast paced and less decorated. The retail host segment prices are reasonably priced. The service style is usually either pick up from a warmer or prepare yourself  or counter service. The atmosphere is fast paced and not as much one on one as fast food.

                  According to the National Restaurant Association full service dining is droping in sales compared to quick service. And retail host is the fastest growing sector today and will be growing more and more.

References- www. smallbusiness.chron.com, www.foodservicewarehouse.com , The National Restaurant Association