1. EATING OUT IN FAST FOOD OUTLETS When choosing to eat out some of the following criteria will affect a person’s choice: © PDST Home Economics

2. FACTORS THAT AFFECT OUR CHOICE OF FOOD OUTLET Type of customer Expectations Cost Style of service Layout of dining area Décor Hygiene & Safety Opening hours Advertising Good service

3. TYPE OF CUSTOMER

4. Age, taste in food, how hungry we are all affects our choice of premises. At lunchtime a secretary may wish to eat a sandwich from the coffee shop. However, a student may like a burger and chips from a take away/canteen. People travelling may choose a quick stop at the deli in local garage. Someone with a long lunch break and wanting dinner would chose pub-grub.

5. CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS People have different standards. Some people will want food very hot, fast & packaged well.

6. COST The amount of money a person has to spend will affect ones choice. Students will want good value for money or special offers. Others may want fresh ingredients, a filling meal, and freshly cooked.

7. STYLE OF SERVICE Self service, carvery, pub grub, take away. The style of service will depend on the amount of time a person has to spend eating and how they like to eat e.g. being served while sitting down and relaxing or on the run.

8. LAYOUT OF SERVING AREA Some people like to see samples of the finished product. Price boards show how much the food items cost. Customers want little queuing. A well organised service area is essential.

9. SEATING AREAS Is there adequate seating at busy times? Take-Aways sometimes have hard seats as customers normally eat and go. In coffee shops and pub grubs people expect to be able to relax in comfortable surroundings.

10. DÉCOR Clean and bright surroundings are expected in delis, take aways, in coffee shops and pub grub outlets. Relaxing colours and soft lighting are used. Clients want décor to be modern and well kept.

11. HYGIENE AND FLOOR SAFETY Floors should be non-slip, tables and bins kept clean and toilets checked regularly.

12. HOURS OF BUSINESS Pubs & coffee shops are normally open to suit the working hours of most people. However, take- aways and delis in garages open early until late to meet the needs of their customers.

13. ADVERTISING Word of mouth and also advertising through special offers, newspapers, flyers etc. all help to promote a food outlet.

14. GOOD SERVICE Customers expect fast efficient service from these types of outlets. Friendly staff & fast food with good value for money is the key to successful meals in these types of outlets.