what do u guys think is more in demand?

Question

we were thinking about expanding our catering business. which do u think would be more in demand among the following vegetarian cuisines: east indian, vegan, mexican or italian? i live in michigan. is there enough demand to warrant this expansion?

Answer 1

vegan

Answer 2

Well, I guess it depends on where you live in Michigan. I know that there is a large population of Indian and Middle Eastern folks in and around the Dearborn area as well as some large neighborhoods in Detroit. So, you might find some good customers if you choose the East Indian/MIddle Eastern foods. But if you don't live anywhere near those places, you might go with Mexican or Italian. Those are two very easy types of cuisine to make vegetarian.
If you are not well-versed with vegan cooking, I'd wait on that one.
I live in NW Ohio and I don't see a big demand for vegetarian or vegan anything in these woods (which is a shame).

Answer 3

More in demand would probably be Italian however vegan could cover a larger range of people with special needs such as people with high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. I think it would be good to have a few vegan meals on reserve just in case. Get about three meals planned and see how it goes from there. Actually you could easily make many Italian meals Vegan. As long as you buy egg and dairy free pasta, and use a non dairy cheese you can make almost any kind of pasta. Or you could make a white sauce from soy milk, vegetable broth, and flour to put over pasta and cooked veggies. Pretty much you can make anything vegan with just a few changes.

Answer 4

I love East Indian! I think either Indian or Mexican would have the best variety, and (assuming your in North America-but maybe not) they'd offer food selections that are a little different than what is usually readily available to us. A lot of Indian food is vegan as it is, and a lot of selections can be easily "veganised", so perhaps starting up a strictly vegan catering expansion wouldn't be necessary.

Answer 5

Michigan is a pretty meat and potato state. However, considering the large Greek Town in Detroit, there is likely an interest in ethnic dining. I guess it depends wheere you business is. I guess I would try East Indian, Mexican and Italian in that order. I definitely would drop the "vegan" stuff. Too small a market and too difficult to explain. Plus among those who "know" vegan has a negative connotation.

Answer 6

OK, I use McDonald's as example. Years ago they wanted Chicken on the menu and try two kinds. A McChicken Sandwich and Chicken McNuggets. People preferred the Nuggets most and they drop the sandwich. Which now I think they market.
So, the best approach is test different menus and see how your customers respond. You could try a Mexican Veggie Dish and if people start ordering it then keep it. But, if you only get one or two orders (After the initial buy a try) then you drop it and try something new. You could have a Special Category called "Buy to Try foods". When people ask of this you can say; "we want to provide our customers with more variety and this a way of us knowing what new ideas people like". You may even ask customers for feedback on new things you try. This way you find what warrant the expansion and what becomes a loss. I hope you see what I saying.

Answer 7

Vegan or even vegetarian to appeal to a wider group of people.

Answer 8

I think there is a demand for healthier meals everywhere and healthier many times means meat free. I would go with Italian food since it's pretty neutral.

Answer 9

I'll have to agree with Retired Army Guy, add those things and you'll have a top rated business. Of your choices though, I'd have to say Italian because it's versatile. It can consists of many vegetarian dishes, and many meat containing dishes.

Answer 10

vegetarian, but with no cheese or milk or eggs
or italian