How pizzerias can appeal to Gen Z, millennials, and boomers

Understanding the habits and preferences of different generations will help you better cater to your pizzeria customers. As detailed by AK Pizza Crust, each generation has its own unique dining habits. 

Here’s a breakdown of each generation and what you can do to capture them.

Gen Alpha

Born from 2010 to present day, Gen Alpha's dining habits are often influenced by their parents, and here's what you should know:

• Eating Out: 68% of Gen Alpha kids eat out once or twice a week with their families.

• Build-Your-Own Options: 50% of their parents prefer restaurants that offer "build-your-own" meals.

• Family-Friendly Choices: 77% of parents buy items that appeal to both kids and adults.

What you can do:

1. Family specials: Offer family meal deals that cater to both kids and adults. Consider adding kid-friendly options alongside your regular menu.

2. Build-your-own pizzas: Create a "build-your-own" pizza station where kids can choose their own toppings. This can make dining more interactive and fun for families.

3. Comfortable environment: Ensure your restaurant has a family-friendly atmosphere with activities or games for kids.

Gen Z

Gen Z loves exploring new foods and dining out frequently. Here's what the report reveals:

• Favorite food: About 20% of Gen Z mentioned pizza as one of their favorite foods. No surprise there.

• Trying new dishes: 57% tried a new dish at a restaurant in the last month. Gen Z is willing to get adventurous when it comes to food, so you could capture them with innovative pizzas like a bánh mì-inspired pie.

• Spending: Gen Z spends about 40% of their monthly budget on restaurants and packaged foods. That’s great news for independent pizzeria owners.

What you can do:

1. Innovative menu items: Regularly update your menu with new and trendy pizza toppings or styles to attract Gen Z customers who love trying new things.

2. Social media engagement: Use social media to showcase your latest menu items and special deals. Gen Z is highly active online, and engaging content can draw them in.

3. Loyalty programs: Implement a loyalty program that rewards frequent visits and purchases, appealing to Gen Z's love for value and deals.

Millennials

Millennials value social dining and sustainability. Here are some key points from the report:

• Social dining: They enjoy eating in engaging environments like food halls and pop-up restaurants. Odds are, your pizzeria is not a food hall stand or a pop-up venture. But you can still create a social atmosphere in your shop by encouraging family-style and hosting community events. 

• Environmental consciousness: Millennials prefer businesses focused on sustainability and ethical sourcing.

• Tech savvy: They frequently use meal kit services and food delivery apps.

What you can do:

1. Community events: Host events such as pizza-making classes or tasting nights to create a social and engaging environment.

2. Sustainable practices: Highlight your use of sustainable ingredients and practices. Use eco-friendly packaging and promote any fair trade or organic ingredients you use.

3. Tech integration: Ensure your restaurant is tech-friendly. Offer online ordering and free Wi-Fi to appeal to this tech-savvy generation.

Gen X

Gen Xers have a nostalgic connection to food and prefer quick and fresh options. Here's the breakdown:

• Nostalgia: They seek products connected to their childhood and youth.

• Quick-Serve Preference: 80% prefer quick-serve and fast-casual restaurants.

• Freshness: Terms like "fresh," "authentic," "homemade," and "organic" resonate with them.

What you can do:

1. Nostalgic menu items: Include classic or nostalgic pizza options that remind Gen X of their youth.

2. Fast service: Ensure your service is quick and efficient. Consider offering a fast-casual dining experience.

3. Fresh ingredients: Emphasize the freshness and authenticity of your ingredients. Use descriptors like "homemade" and "organic" on your menu.

Baby Boomers

Boomers are looking for convenient and quality dining experiences. Here's what you need to know:

• Dining frequency: On average, Boomers eat out 193 times a year.

• Service expectations: They expect convenient and speedy service.

What you can do:

1. Comfortable dining: Create a comfortable and accessible dining environment for Boomers.

2. Efficient service: Train your staff to provide fast and friendly service. Consider offering reservation options to minimize wait times.

3. Quality menu: Focus on quality ingredients and consistent food preparation to meet their expectations for a premium dining experience.

Adapting your pizzeria marketing strategy

To effectively reach all generations, consider these additional pizzeria marketing tips:

1. Personalized marketing: Use customer data to create targeted promotions for each age group. This can boost customer loyalty across generations.

2. Online presence: Maintain an updated website and active social media profiles. Share mouth-watering photos and videos of your pizzas to attract customers of all ages.

3. Email marketing: Send regular newsletters featuring your dessert specials and new menu items. This can appeal to tech-savvy Millennials and Gen Z, while also keeping Boomers and Gen X informed.

4. Local partnerships: Collaborate with nearby businesses or schools to create joint promotions. This can help attract families and younger customers.

5. Showcase your values: Highlight your pizzeria's commitment to quality, sustainability, and community involvement. This can resonate with eco-conscious Millennials and value-driven Boomers alike.

By understanding these generational preferences and tailoring your services accordingly, you can enhance customer satisfaction and grow your business. Remember, a little effort to cater to these unique preferences can go a long way in building a loyal customer base and improving your pizzeria marketing efforts.