One of the most enduring industries is that of food and beverage. Even if it has drastically shifted recently because of the pandemic, it has still seen a new life in e-commerce. There’s no end in sight for the viability of getting into the business of food as a whole. People crave great flavors without wanting the hassle of cooking dishes themselves. For that alone, whether it’s people looking for a new taste or those who like to always go back to everyday comforts, food feels good.

If you want to succeed in such a populated industry that has seen its fair share of closings, here are some points to keep in mind so that you can sustainably make your way into it.

• Get a franchise.

While you may have specific ideas in mind about what kind of theme you want and what your menu will comprise of, you have a safer bet starting with a dinner franchise and the like. The advantage here is that you don’t have to start entirely from scratch. You already have a basis on how the operations work, you have some guidance as to logistics and marketing strategies, you already have branding materials, and you also have access to an existing customer base that already trusts the brand name. It’s especially helpful during times of crisis and uncertainty that, if you’re going to pursue a business endeavor, you can choose one that is a little more assured and cushion the risks better.

• Follow trends but don’t stick to fads.

It’s essential to know what the market is looking for to tailor your strategy accordingly. Still, it’s also crucial to traverse the fine line between understanding trends to gear towards versus simply falling into the trap of following any fad. That can risk some unsustainable changes, compromising brand value, and an over-reliance on some niche that may fade out just as quickly as it rose. Just look at all the big fads that have practically become obscure, like Segway and FarmVille. They generated a lot of buzz and engagement during their heyday, but aren’t profitable anymore beyond that. What you want to watch for are the lasting trends that would require you to adapt accordingly so that you can have a consistent menu with just the right changes in offerings and deals.

• Maximize the power of the digital age

Most people are merely ordering online nowadays anyway because of lockdowns and social distancing. That is already enough reason to make sure that you have an online presence, but beyond that, it’s essential to have digital avenues in the modern age anyway. Food delivery services connect to you this way. You can have active pages that engage your target market more and inform them of deals. You can build up feedback and searchability to increase awareness towards prospective consumers, and you can stay connected with both customers and partners alike. 59% of the world’s population is online, so why cut yourself off from this large pool of digital users who could turn into loyal customers?

These guidelines are merely some of the methods you can use to make it into the food industry successfully. However, the strategy and upkeep will still rely on your application in the end.