Gusto launches spring menu in line with guest feedback

Premium casual dining group Gusto Italian has launched its new spring/summer menu this month, after undertaking consumer research via guests of the group's 14 restaurants to better understand evolving dining trends.

Delivered by customer experience experts Feed it Back in Q1 2023, the survey of Gusto Italian guests confirmed a continued rise in consumers seeking meat-free menu items and mindful drinking options when eating out. Research has indicated that, compared to the wider population, Gusto Italian diners over-index towards dining trends including ethical- and sustainability-conscious, healthy eating, vegetarian and flexitarian, and this has helped to guide menu development for the casual dining group.

In parallel to the consumer insights, Gusto Italian’s new seasonal menu has been inspired by research trips to Italy, led by CEO Matt Snell and executive chef Graham Kirk. Dishes developed through this process include the Burrata with Watermelon Tartare, which was added after the team visited an Italian formaggiaio and had the chance to make the cheese themselves.

Along with the introduction of dishes that reflect seasonality such as Jerusalem Artichoke and Truffle Ravioli, Crab Fettuccini and Prosecco and Saffron Risotto, Gusto Italian has launched a plant-based steak to offer a premium alternative for the increasing number of consumers seeking meat-free dishes. A first for the industry, the dish is made from plant-based proteins, coconut oil and beetroot, seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices.

Additionally, with guests more regularly choosing to drink no or less alcohol when out, Gusto Italian has also invested in the development of a new 'Mindful Drinking’ menu featuring new low and no cocktails.

Kat Schofield, head of marketing at Gusto Italian, comments: "As the go-to venue for special occasions, we are continually monitoring the latest food trends to ensure that our menus offer an exciting range of authentic Italian dishes that cater for all our guests whatever their tastes, dietary or lifestyle choices. The consumer research that was conducted at the start of the year emphasised the demand for meat-free meals and mindful drinking options, and the menu development team has come back with some stunning additions to our spring/summer menu. The vegan steak is a massive stride forward for meat free alternatives, and is a first for UK casual dining. We’re also introducing some wonderfully fresh and bright seasonal dishes that our guests will love."

Recent guest feedback data illustrates that Gusto Italian’s model of ongoing menu innovation is popular with consumers. Feedback scores have reached record levels, with the first-class experience reflected in an average Net Promoter Score in the 80s, compared to an industry average of 55, and an average amongst the other leading casual dining operators in the 60s.

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