As a brand that’s been serving our community for 35 years, Demos’ Restaurant knows the importance of keeping things fresh while staying true to our roots. For long-standing brands like ours, the challenge is finding ways to evolve without losing the authenticity that made us beloved in the first place. There are several key strategies that help restaurants achieve new connections and preserve longstanding relationships.
1. Expand the Menu While Honoring Tradition
The key to evolving as a legacy brand is striking the right balance between innovation and tradition. While menu expansion can attract new customers, it’s equally important to preserve the core items that define your brand. Evolution should enhance your offerings without compromising the signature flavor and quality that set you apart. Introducing new ingredients or seasonal recipes is an excellent way to broaden your appeal, but it’s wise to retain some timeless favorites. After all, those original recipes are what first won over your customers. Perhaps this means showcasing seasonal items through a ‘limited time only’ rotating menu. For example, we highlighted long time favorites this year—like our meatloaf and shrimp scampi—as limited time offerings.
2. Foster Community Engagement
Staying fresh isn’t just about what’s on the menu—it’s about how you engage with your customers. Whether it’s through local partnerships, community events, or engaging with customers on social media, maintaining an authentic relationship with your community is key. At our 3 Tennessee locations, we’ve partnered with GiftAMeal since May, which makes it easy for our guests to help people in our community who need it most. Guests simply take a photo of their food or drink, and we help fund a meal donation to a local food bank. This collaboration creates a ripple effect of generosity, allowing our customers to be directly involved in giving back while enjoying their favorite meal, all at no extra cost to them.
3. Embrace Technology
Embracing new technology is a vital way to stay relevant and enhance the customer experience. Whether it’s through online ordering systems, a digital waitlist, or digital gift cards, leveraging technology helps streamline operations while offering convenience and value to customers. It allows you to meet your audience where they are, on the platforms they use every day. By incorporating modern tech tools into day-to-day operations, brands can provide quicker, more efficient service while staying connected with their community in meaningful ways. Keeping up with technological advancements not only ensures that your brand feels modern but also keeps customers engaged, allowing you to adapt while maintaining the values that have always defined you.
4. Prioritize Quality Over Trends
It’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends, but chasing trends at the expense of quality can dilute your brand’s identity. Staying true to your brand’s commitment to quality keeps you authentic in the eyes of your customers, no matter what’s trending.
Staying fresh as a long-standing brand is about balancing innovation with authenticity. By using new tools to engage your community, staying true to your roots, and never compromising on quality, legacy brands can continue to thrive while maintaining their original charm.
Kristin Demos wears many hats in both the business and nonprofit sectors, bringing her passion for strategic planning and community engagement to every role she takes on. As the founder and President of Foundations First (F1), Kristin leads a consulting firm dedicated to empowering business owners to establish their foundational statements and implement crucial planning initiatives. With her guidance, businesses are equipped to articulate their vision, mission, and core values, fostering authenticity and connection with their audience. In addition to her role at F1, Kristin serves as the Vice President of Brand and Marketing for Demos Brands, a prominent family of restaurants including Demos’ Restaurants and Demos Family Kitchen. Her expertise in brand development and marketing strategy has been instrumental in shaping the success of these beloved establishments.
