How To Win Over The New Year, New You Customer
DETAILS
In Conversation With: Kevin Relf, Corporate Chef at General Mills Foodservice and Formerly Lifetime Fitness
Unveiling: Top Wellness Trends For Hotels & Restaurants in 2025
As the New Year approaches, many people embark on a journey of self-improvement, from adopting healthier eating habits, giving up alcohol, to seeking more mindful, nourishing experiences.
We sat down with Kevin Relf, Corporate Chef at General Mills Foodservice and formerly Lifetime Fitness, to discuss how this shift in consumer behavior is creating new opportunities for the hospitality industry. In this post, we explore the top wellness dining trends for hotels and restaurants in 2024 and how adopting these trends will position your business for success as we move into 2025.
Wellness Trends to Watch
Kevin emphasized that January brings heightened attention to health and wellness:
Dry January: Mocktails are a must-have for menus.
Dietary Shifts: Flexible menus that cater to plant-based, keto, and gluten-free preferences are essential.
Functional Foods: Guests are increasingly seeking ingredients with targeted health benefits. Highlight ingredients like turmeric (anti-inflammatory) or chia seeds (sustained energy).
Pro Tip: Stand out by calling out the functional benefits directly on your menu. For example, a "walnut-crusted salmon" could be marketed as "designed for cognitive support."
The Rise of Mocktails: A Must-Have for Modern Menus
As wellness trends continue to gain traction, offering non-alcoholic beverages is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. The rise of movements like Dry January and a growing preference for mindful drinking have made mocktails a staple in today’s dining scene. These alcohol-free creations provide guests with flavorful, sophisticated options that don’t compromise on experience.
Why Mocktails Matter:
Inclusivity: Non-drinkers or those taking a break from alcohol can still enjoy a curated beverage experience.
Creativity: Mocktails allow chefs and bartenders to showcase innovation with ingredients like herbal infusions, fresh fruit purees, and artisanal syrups.
Memorability: A well-designed mocktail menu leaves a lasting impression, turning one-time guests into loyal patrons.
Pro Tip: Take your mocktail menu to the next level by focusing on functional ingredients like adaptogens, antioxidants, and detoxifying herbs. Highlighting benefits—such as stress relief or energy boosts—can further appeal to wellness-focused diners.
The Italian Philosophy: Simple, Seasonal, and Satisfying
Kevin draws inspiration from Italian cuisine, where simplicity and balance make for healthier, more flavorful dishes.
Seasonal Focus: "In-season ingredients are at their peak in flavor and nutritional content," Kevin explains. Offering a winter citrus salad or roasted root vegetables ensures vibrant, nutrient-packed dishes.
Locally Sourced: Ingredients grown locally are fresher, more sustainable, and appeal to today's conscious consumers.
Bold Yet Simple Flavors: Healthy fats like olive oil, fresh herbs, and spices can elevate dishes without overcomplicating them.
Crafting Flavorful and Nutritious Menus for Wellness Dining
A common misconception is that healthy eating means bland food. Kevin debunks this myth through thoughtful, flavorful preparation:
Use nutrient-dense, whole ingredients like ancient grains, lean proteins, and fermented foods to boost flavor and health benefits.
Balance indulgence with health by offering creative alternatives like cauliflower mac and cheese or fruit-based desserts like cobblers made with seasonal fruits.
Pro Tip: Highlight the sensory appeal of your healthy dishes to excite diners and reinforce the idea that wellness-focused meals can be indulgent too.
Dish Inspiration: Try a dairy-free coconut curry vegetable and grain bowl that marries indulgence with nourishment, using bold spices and comforting warmth. Check out Kevin’s latest creation here!
Food as an Experience: Bringing Wellness Beyond the Plate
Wellness is about more than just food—it’s about fostering mindfulness and creating environments that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. This presents an exciting opportunity for hotels and restaurants to elevate their offerings by integrating wellness-focused experiences.
Posh Revelry Tip: Kick off a "New Year, New You" event series that blends wellness activities with dining experiences. By creating memorable, feel-good moments, you’ll not only captivate your audience but also encourage repeat visits and strengthen brand loyalty.
Inspiration for Hotels:
Yoga & Smoothie Brunch: Combine a morning yoga session with a fresh smoothie bar featuring nutrient-packed toppings.
Fitness & Feast: Host a pop-up class with a local studio, followed by light bites and refreshing mocktails.
Wellness Takeaway: Offer on-the-go smoothies or snack packs with fresh, nutrient-rich options for guests to enjoy beyond your venue. Including an inspirational quote or wellness tip is also a nice touch!
Inspiration for Restaurants:
Mocktail Mixology Class: Host workshops that teach guests to craft alcohol-free cocktails with fresh, wellness-focused ingredients.
Wellness Tasting Menu: Offer a multi-course menu highlighting nutrient-dense, seasonal dishes, paired with detoxifying or energizing mocktails.
Tableside Experiences: Delight guests with interactive offerings like a "build-your-own" salad or grain bowl station—think of it as the healthy counterpart to a guacamole cart.
These wellness-inspired activations can redefine how guests experience food and hospitality, setting your business apart in the growing wellness space.
Final Thoughts
As we move into the New Year, integrating wellness into your food and beverage offerings is a powerful way to engage both new and returning guests. As Kevin reminds us, “Healthy food isn’t boring when done right—it’s about balance, fresh ingredients, and the art of preparation.” By focusing on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, calling out health benefits, and offering customizable, indulgent dishes, you can align with your guests’ wellness goals and create memorable experiences that keep them coming back.
And whether you’re crafting a wellness-focused menu or creating a full-on wellness event, there are endless opportunities to elevate your business and meet the growing demand for mindful dining. It's all about making health and flavor work in harmony.
Need help crafting a wellness-focused menu or event? Contact Posh Revelry today to create offerings that captivate the wellness-conscious guest. To learn more about Chef Kevin’s culinary expertise, click here.