The Grocerant: Are Grocery Stores the New Favorite Restaurant

Inflation and escalating costs have made dining out increasingly prohibitive. Consumers are scaling back on last-minute lunches and nights out when what’s in the fridge just doesn’t sound good. Instead, they’re seeking affordable, yet high quality, culinary experiences and they are searching for them at their local grocery store. 

Supermarkets across the Midwest and all over the U.S. are upping their game to meet the demand for delicious — and economical — meals. Basic grocery retailers are turning their stores into “a new culinary experience,” with in-store dining options, an extensive list of prepared foods, and exclusive in-house brands. 

To deliver consistent results and cater to patrons’ appetites, grocery retail stores need commercial-grade kitchen equipment to provide the satisfying hot meals patrons are looking for outside of a restaurant setting. Cue the rise of the grocerant.

Answering Consumer Needs

As restaurant prices soar, supermarkets equipped with commercial kitchen solutions are stepping in to fill a critical market gap, offering top-notch products at economical prices. 

Grocery can invest in high-performing food service equipment to keep costs within range. For example, a back meat room will want to have a wrapper that is efficient and robust, like the Mettler Toledo 880 Automatic Wrapper. It automates weighing, wrapping, and labeling to optimize backroom efficiency.