This study investigated the life cycle of menus and made suggestions on the appropriate time for when new menus should be developed. For this purpose, a total of 636 customers who visited ‘T’ Restaurant more than 25 times in the past three years were used for analysis. After estimating product life cycles based on sales and selling period, an empirical study was conducted. In terms of product life cycle, a growth stage was observed in the category of pasta and pizza in both stores A and B, whereas sales in the rice category stayed constant. Regarding trend in seasonal sales, a big difference was detected between the two stores. While store A was already in the decline stage of the life cycle in all menu categories, store B remained in the growth stage. In terms of menu life cycle, the product life cycle of long-lived products was observed in the pasta category in both stores A and B. While the pizza category was in the growth stage, the product life cycle of long-lived products was observed in the rice category. It is expected that the results of this study could be useful in development of new menus and product life cycle management to fulfill diverse customer needs in the dining-out business.

• 신서영 | Seo-Young Shin