Sodexo Launches Bistro 464 to Give Seniors a New Dining Experience
Consumer research indicates Baby Boomer generation craves a dining experience that is far and apart from what is typically associated with senior living communities
GAITHERSBURG, Md., October 4, 2016 /3BL Media/ – Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life Services, announces the launch of Bistro 464—a new restaurant option—to supplement the traditional dining service in the senior living communities it serves. The bistro-style service option meets the needs of senior communities today by offering a dining spot that feels like a special occasion thanks to its attractive design and a specially created menu that includes casual as well as more upscale meal selections. The Bistro 464 concept gives a nod to the Baby Boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964. It formally launches this month with over 100 locations expected to open in the first year.
Sodexo’s consumer research indicates that more seniors are expecting great dining experiences that stray from the usual dining setting typically associated with senior living communities. They are seeking an experience in their communities that meets the needs of Baby Boomers who have travelled more, encountered more, and want their dining to be more. Boomers want a focus on great food in a choice of casual or formal venue with an emphasis on service, local and seasonal menu options and plenty of healthy options. Designed as a flexible concept, Bistro 464 allows for a locally-focused site name for each venue.
“It’s been six month since we opened The Bistro at Arbor Glen and the transformation exceeded any imaginable level of expectation. When you combine the setting’s ambience with the top-notch service and the great menu created by Sodexo chefs, The Bistro has increased resident satisfaction by 25% in Independent Living and by 15% in the Health Care area,” said Felix Rosenwasser, president & CEO, Arbor Glen Seniors Community in New Jersey. “In addition to being warmly embraced by the community, The Bistro at Arbor Glen has become a congregation spot and a place where residents are proud to invite their friends and family.”
Sodexo’s Culinary Solutions team worked closely with clients, seniors and onsite management teams to develop the bistro style menu and create the Bistro 464 ambiance. It included options that “taste like home” and others that make you feel “like you are dining out.” Breakfast favorites, quesadillas, flatbreads, burgers, beef short ribs, maple glazed roasted chicken, herbed rack of lamb, and healthy options from Mindful by Sodexo are all on this trendy bistro menu.
“We always create new concepts backed by consumer research, and Bistro 464 is no exception. As a generation, Baby Boomers eat out more than any previous generations, and their menu preferences are more varied and adventurous. We wanted to capture those preferences as well as place an emphasis on the dining room as the heart of the community, where social bonds are created,” said Shelley Kalfas, vice president of marketing for the Sodexo Seniors segment. “The feedback we received during the pilot phase for Bistro 464 was overwhelmingly positive. Residents shared that they liked the menu, the ambience and the casual and friendly setting Bistro 464 created.”
Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The Fortune Global 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations.
Learn more about Sodexo at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights.
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