Traditionally workplace break rooms have contained vending machines and/or coffee to keep employees at work and fortified during the day. Micromarkets are a unique brand of office refreshment service that defies classification by the FDA. These micro markets are often handled by vending companies who have the expertise in food delivery routes and who are able to keep up with demand.
Increased interest in micro markets has led to vending companies offering better service and better product selection. “It’s exploding,” said Brad Bachtelle, president of Bachtelle & Associates, a Palm Springs, Calif., national consulting and research firm that focuses on specialty segments — including the at-work segment — of the food service industry. “It’s the fastest growing segment in food service.
If you want to keep your employees happy and productive, it makes sense to consider replacing your break room with a micro market. Often the vendor you choose to run the micro market will shoulder some of the burden of cost for remodeling. Particularly if you have a workforce that spends a lot of time “clocked in” with limited time for breaks and lunch and micro market can be more efficient in delivering products and service to your employees.
Finally, don’t be afraid of change! There are many companies that can offer micro markets to your business. The offerings are able to be tailored to employees’ needs, not simply static in a closed machine. Five years ago there were about 950 micromarkets in the U.S. By last year, there were about 13,000. By the end of this year, he estimates there will be about 17,000 across the U.S. So why not try out a micro market in your workplace? You’ll be glad you did!