Dining Hall SWOT Analysis

There are nearly 6,000 dining halls in the U.S.

The Random House Dictionary defines a dining hall as a "large room in which meals are served to members of a special group and their guests." There were nearly 6,000 dining hall establishments throughout the United States in 2002 that garnered sales of more than $5 billion.

Strengths

Dining halls act as a convenient cornucopia of food choices, often in a location beneficial to a large population base, such as college campuses, senior living community or residential condo area.

Weaknesses

Food safety in mass venues such as dining halls is always an issue, since food is sometimes left uncovered and refrigerated areas can be left open for extended periods of time.

Opportunities

Dining halls that use the latest in electronic payment software, including those that use touchpass systems and external mobile payments, will be able to leverage technological advantages to drive sales. Dining halls should also be using social media to advertise specials and communicate with regular customers.

Threats

Increased competition from food vendors, civic groups doing fundraisers and do-it-yourself types that cook at home are forcing dining halls to improve their offerings to attract customers. A increasingly diverse workforce poses problems for employee education on matters such as "hand-washing, food safety, food handling, and proper food preparation," according to the University of Maryland.

References

• U.S. Census Bureau: 2002 Economic Census Sector 72: Accommodation and Food Services: Subject Series - Misc Subjects: Principal Menu Type or Specialty for the United States and States: 2002
• University of Maryland: Dining Services SWOT Analysis

Resources

• QuickMBA: SWOT Analysis