Fresh Dining Options: Latitude 50° at The Towers
Today’s older adults crave fresh, vibrant dining options in their continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). They are looking for more than just nutritious meals — they want variety, flexibility, and modern, inviting spaces that enhance their daily lives. Forward-thinking CCRC senior living communities recognize that updating dining venues can create a win-win situation: residents enjoy a refreshed experience while communities boost engagement and revenue.
A perfect example of this is the newly opened Latitude 50° bistro at The Towers at Laguna Woods Village in Laguna Woods, California. Developed in collaboration with Atlantic Culinary Environments, Latitude 50° transforms an underutilized space into a stylish, modern eatery that meets the evolving expectations of today’s residents.
A Bistro Concept Designed for Modern Tastes
Latitude 50° was created to offer residents a relaxed, bistro-style dining experience with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. It features a diverse menu with made-to-order items, locally sourced ingredients, and grab-and-go options — perfect for those who want a quick bite or a casual meal with friends.
"Older adults want dining experiences that mirror what they’d find at their favorite neighborhood restaurants," said Tracy Blazer, Regional Vice President at Sodexo Seniors, who led the development of the concept. "Latitude 50° delivers that by providing a welcoming, contemporary atmosphere with flexible dining choices that support their active lifestyles."
Reimagining Space to Enhance Resident Satisfaction
At The Towers, an existing dining space was reimagined and repurposed to bring Latitude 50° to life. This transformation reflects a growing trend among CCRC senior living communities: investing in upgrades that cater to resident preferences while maximizing revenue opportunities. By adding an upscale yet casual option to its dining program, The Towers not only enhances resident satisfaction but also attracts prospective residents looking for a dynamic living environment.
The Business Case for Fresh Dining Concepts
Beyond resident enjoyment, refreshed dining spaces like Latitude 50° can contribute to a community’s financial health. Modern dining venues encourage greater participation in meal plans, drive additional revenue through à la carte purchases, and can even become a marketing differentiator for CCRC senior living communities competing to attract new residents.
As expectations continue to evolve, communities that innovate their dining experiences will stand out. Latitude 50° at The Towers is a shining example of how reimagining retirement community dining spaces can enhance quality of life for residents while driving long-term value for communities.
Looking for more ways to create exceptional dining experiences at CCRCs? Download our guide to maximizing your operating budget and enhancing resident satisfaction, and reach out to explore how Sodexo can help transform your community.