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How a Pioneer in EATertainment is Capturing Gen Z

We sat down with Robert Thompson, an EATertainment pioneer, to chat about how his new endeavors are changing the way young people approach nightlife and dining…

Written and Edited by the YPulse Editorial Team

Oct 18 2023
North America

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Youth trends should be the backbone of the restaurant industry—and are the future of EATertainment concepts
Gen Z and Millennials want dining experiences that go beyond the food, so Jaguar Bolera and Camp Pickle aim to target that
Paying attention to Gen Z trends and values, like their affinity for drinking less and sustainability practices, is what will keep them coming back

Robert Thompson, the founder of EATertainment concepts like Punch Bowl Social, is always looking at youth and entertainment trends when planning his next experiential food endeavor. Thompson’s journey began in 2010 when he redefined the modern entertainment model by combining scratch kitchens, craft beverages, and design-centric spaces. He has consistently tailored these experiences to the psyche of his target audience, primarily Gen Z and Millennials. As he explains, by designing for these influential gens, he’s been able to create a significant impact on the restaurant subcategory known as EATertainment. This kind of tailoring isn’t exclusive to the food and experiences industries—as each of Thompson’s new businesses show. So, we asked him how brands can get to know the interests of young consumers in order to make engaging appeals to them, even when their interests may seem opposite to the end goal (like bringing their love for fast food into a bigger dining experience). This Q&A offers a glimpse into how Thompson sees youth trends shaping the future of...