Omni’s kids menu focuses on adventurous appetites

DALLAS—You can’t talk about the latest trends in hospitality without mentioning millennials at least once. The age group is, without a doubt, guiding the conversation and shaping the future for the industry. But while all the talk seems to be focused on this specific age group, there’s a group that’s on the rise, noted for being diverse and adventurous. Gen Z travelers are all about experiences, much like millennials, but this is a group of risk-takers, explorers and, without a doubt, foodies.

Omni Hotels & Resorts is anticipating Gen Z’s desire to explore and discover and is doing so with a new addition to its Omni Originals culinary series, its themed F&B programming showcasing regional talent and trends. The Culinary Kids menus are extensions of this series, but specifically catered toward kids 12 years old and younger, a group with curious palates and appetites for surprise.

“At Omni, we always believe in listening to our guests—giving them what they want,” said Devin Burns, VP of food and beverage, Omni Hotels & Resorts. “We always want to be ahead of the curve and trends. Gen Z’s proven preferences are inspiring us to be more creative and to take risks. We are seeing that our youngest generation doesn’t just want chicken fingers when staying at our properties. So why continue to only give them options they likely don’t want? We want to support their creativity and boldness.”

These out-of-the-box options include Jenga French Toast shaped like the popular building block game; Edible Dirt—really just a mixture of bread crumbs and herbs accompanied with vegetables and avocado ranch; the Vincent Van Gogh Jumbo Cookie, which allows kids to get creative with sauces; banana skewers crusted with cereal; and a Rainbow Acai Bowl, among other healthy—but never boring—items.

“Our chefs from across the country collaborated on the creation of these menu items. They used ingredients, flavors and preparation from their local kitchens to create these unique offerings available brand-wide,” Burns said.

The menu debuted in April and a version of that Culinary Kids menu will be available at properties across North America permanently after evaluation this summer. According to Burns, the final menu will be decided based on feedback from customers—i.e., kids.

“We’re diving deeper into the top-selling items now, but the Hen House Chicken on a Stick, Fromage Dipper and Jenga French Toast were definitely some favorites,” he said.

The Hen House Chicken gives kids the choice of grilled or fried chicken with a fruit cocktail or french fries and sauces. The Fromage Dipper comes with American cheese, bacon house-made tomato soup served with avocado ranch, barbecue and local jam.

“I think our menu differs because while there are healthy options, there are also creative, interactive options—like Jenga French Toast—perfect for sharing on social. I think a lot of restaurants offer Instagrammable menu items, but we don’t see it in the hospitality space often. We think we separate ourselves from the competition in our ability to continue to update and elevate our food and beverage offerings,” Burns said.

While these options are unquestionably conducive to the social space—visually appealing with bright colors and intricate in their assembly—their health benefits shouldn’t be overlooked.

According to a recent study by Mintel and highlighted by Burns, Gen Z is “resetting the expectations for health and wellness, increasing the reach of international cuisine and heightening creativity in the kitchen.”

The study pointed out that this is likely the case because 60% of parents with kids aged 12-17 and 55% of parents with kids aged 18-plus in the household report saying “no” to their kids’ food and drink choices based on sugar content.

Luckily for Omni—and parents—this focus on health also lends itself to a wider range of food interests for young ones. “Gen Z seems to be cultivating an appreciation for international cuisine from a young age,” Burns said.

The study also revealed that 36% of U.S. parents of children under age 18 agree that their kids enjoy eating international foods, and 6% of consumers aged 10-17 and 31% of those aged 18-22 believe that being creative is an important factor to being a successful adult.

Omni has also released recipes for the items so families can experience these options for themselves at home. The brand is no stranger to home cooking either. Last year, Omni introduced Cookie Cocktails inspired by real team members’ holiday cookie family recipes.

Also keeping up with consumer trends is Omni’s newly launched Summer of Passion Fruit menu, which includes Salmon Poke Bowls, Smoked Baby Back Ribs and cocktails like the Peach Passion Freeze. HB