The mid-2020s are here, and the restaurant world is in a state of constant progression. As global food inflation cools, more eaters are dining out and ordering in, driving billions in restaurant profit. Recently, Otter took a look at some of the most impactful data affecting the dining industry’s revenue today. Based on that information, we’ve gained a strong understanding of what modern eaters crave – and how to best serve them in the coming years.
Leaders in the restaurant industry have noted that business owners can expect an increase in labor costs throughout the year. For this reason, it’s important to keep profitability in mind with every action your restaurant takes. Each of the 7 trends highlighted below have been selected to keep your operating costs low and revenue high. You’ll also discover new ways of updating your menus and service for current standards, and have access to timely customer insights. Let’s learn more about what today’s eaters value – and spend money on – in modern restaurants.
Restaurant Industry Trend #7: Plant-Based Meals
It’s official: restaurant customers are going green. The popularity of plant-based food is skyrocketing in 2024, as are eaters’ interests in sustainable dining. It’s tough to find a restaurant without vegan options these days, and those that do offer plant-based meals reap the rewards. Remember: today’s diners are socially-conscious and aware of their eating preferences’ impact on the global environment. By serving vegan and vegetarian meals, you’ll be accommodating the 2020s’ most popular diets – and the profit they bring along.
Restaurant Industry Trend #6: Spicy Food
Ready to kick your cooking up a notch? Modern eaters are extremely interested in spicy food, and are ready to pay for it at any kind of restaurant. Major chains like McDonald’s see consistent success with spicy dishes, and are making efforts to introduce more going forward. These tastes aren’t limited to hot flavors, either – cooling spices, like lavender, are becoming key elements of 2020s cuisine, especially reflected across trends in the food truck industry. With strong menu management software, it’s easy to put spicy meals on your tables and heat up your profit margins.
Restaurant Industry Trend #5: Sweet Cocktails & Mocktails
In 2023, we saw the tangy Aperol Spritz take off as the trendy diner’s drink of choice. Now, sweet cocktails are becoming a heavy player in the alcohol world, and bringing today’s eaters back to booze. Bartenders across the globe are adding dessert-like touches – cherries, fruit juices, brown sugar – to their drinks, getting sweet-toothed patrons excited. They’re also making use of carbonation to bridge the gap between soft drinks and hard liquor.
Mocktails are also here to stay in 2024 as Gen Z continues to seek them out. Many bars are expanding their menus to include these zero-proof drinks!
Trend #4: Health & Wellness
Today’s restaurant customers are more health-conscious than ever before, and are increasingly turning to nutritious meals to satisfy their cravings. Natural, unprocessed ingredients are now valued by both eaters and kitchen staff for their quality and flexibility to various dishes. Even fast food restaurants are getting in on the popularity of healthy meals, and offering new low-fat and low-carb menus. Incorporating dishes that suit a health-and-wellness-based lifestyle into your restaurant’s service is an excellent way to meet changing consumer tastes.
Trend #3: Solo Dining
Table for one? Solo dining is emerging as a new preference among restaurant customers, especially with Millennial and Gen Z demographics' coffee shop trends. Busy eaters with active schedules are a large segment of restaurant customers, and serving them leads to sustainable revenue. Eateries that accommodate solo dining are also popular with individual women travelers seeking safe places to relax while abroad. Notable restaurant publications, like the Michelin Guide and Eater, now highlight businesses with solo dining options, encouraging engagement.
Solo diners can be drawn to restaurants through strong niche marketing. Let your customer demographics know they’re welcome in your establishment through engaging social media posts and seamless seating accommodations.
Trend #2: Experiential Dining
We’ve discussed the popularity of experiential dining before, but this new level of restaurant atmosphere is rapidly expanding in 2024. The new word on restaurateurs’ minds is “eatertainment” – providing customers with memorable, multi-sensory experiences that stoke repeat visits and orders. Restaurants with strong themes, like retro diners or speakeasies, and active eater participation are seeing gains across the globe, especially with younger patrons. An impactful dining experience isn’t just worth it for making memories – it’s an effective way to earn consistent revenue and generate hype around your business.
Trend #1: Restaurant Technology
No matter what kind of restaurant you run, powerful technology should be the most useful tool in your business. Having the ability to easily manage orders, update menus, and increase profit is critical for success in today’s restaurant industry. Restaurant tech is also essential for building customer loyalty, attracting repeat orders, and minimizing commission fees. A modern Restaurant Operating System isn’t just a useful way to keep your business organized. It’s a vital component of a competitive eatery in the 2020s!
When looking for your own restaurant technology, stay alert for features that help you succeed in-person and on delivery apps. Modern eaters expect personalized service that meets their unique needs in a timely, cost-effective manner. As such, any digital restaurant tools you use should let you manage orders across several different storefronts, reducing missed profits.
Stock up your restaurant for 2024 with these trends!
The restaurant industry is one of the world’s fastest-changing consumer segments, and new innovations that enhance traditional practices are common. As unfamiliar items and cooking practices shake up eateries new and old, a willingness to adapt and evolve is what keeps restaurateurs successful. Don’t let your business fall behind – use the trends above to modernize your orders, menus, and service, and engage today’s customers! With the right range of restaurant solutions, your eatery’s future and long-term profitability are in good hands.
