Restaurant Trends

Recognizing and embracing these trends is crucial for the food and beverage industry to maintain relevance, attract and retain customers, and ultimately, ensure the long-term success. From the ambiance and menu offerings to service styles and staff uniforms, each element contributes to the overall guest experience.

By staying abreast of the latest trends, owners and managers can make informed decisions, tailor their offerings to meet customer expectations, and position their establishments as innovative leaders in the culinary landscape. For example, you may have already noticed that your guests are interested in craft cocktails and healthier eats. And for the most part, they are eating local and like having a go-to spot. With each year, restaurant owners and caterers learn from their customers and from each other.

What’s New in Restaurant Aesthetics

As restaurant business operators already know, trends are continuously shaping the ambiance and aesthetic appeal of dining areas. Current restaurant industry trends still reflect natural and earthy color palettes, where muted tones and organic textures create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Earthy greens, calming blues, and warm neutrals continue to popularity, fostering a sense of connection to nature that resonates with modern diners. For something more dramatic, black and navy add a touch of modern. Alongside colors, textures play a pivotal role in creating a tactile and visually engaging environment. The integration of raw materials such as wood, stone, and textured fabrics adds depth and character to the dining space, enhancing the overall sensory experience for patrons.

Restaurant furniture plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the dining area. The trend toward eclectic and diverse seating arrangements is gaining momentum, with a mix of chairs, benches, and even lounge-style seating contributing to a more dynamic and casual atmosphere. The days of uniform seating arrangements are giving way to a more personalized and curated approach, where each piece of furniture tells a unique story. The choice of chairs and tables is not just functional but also an extension of the restaurant’s brand identity. Sleek and minimalist designs, paired with natural materials, are in vogue, reflecting a preference for simplicity and elegance. Overall, these trends in the dining area underscore the importance of creating a visually striking and comfortable space that resonates with the evolving preferences of today’s diverse and design-conscious clientele. Table linens in both neutrals and preferred colors are available to add that special touch. We’d be happy to provide a complimentary quote.

Revisit the Uncomfortable World of Tipping

Recently, tipping trends have undergone significant shifts, prompting reflection and adaptation among both diners and establishments. The movement towards fair wages and equitable compensation has sparked discussions about alternative models to traditional tipping.

One option some restaurants are experimenting with is service-inclusive pricing; food prices are adjusted to encompass fair wages for staff, eliminating the need for patrons to calculate tips. This approach aims to ensure that all team members, from servers to kitchen staff, receive a consistent and livable income. And well-deserved. The move towards no-tipping policies is not only a response to wage disparities but also a means of fostering a more collaborative and supportive environment within the restaurant.

With so much talk about tipping and fair wages in the news, there comes a growing trend of transparency and communication between restaurant and patron. Restaurants are increasingly providing clear information to customers about how tips are distributed among staff including if there is a service charge included in the bill. This transparency not only builds trust with patrons but also highlights the commitment of establishments to fair compensation practices.

As tipping norms continue to evolve, restaurants are navigating a delicate balance between ensuring fair wages for their staff and maintaining guest comfort. The ongoing dialogue around tipping trends reflects a broader societal shift towards recognizing and addressing income inequality within the hospitality industry. Improving business conditions for your team helps everyone.

Trending Restaurant Menu Items

The future of restaurant food trends is embracing plant-based dishes and transparency. From classy establishments to fast-casual restaurants, are adding options or creating specialty plant-based menus. Menus are becoming more conscientious about sourcing, highlighting locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, and emphasizing sustainable practices. The plant-based movement is also leaving an indelible mark on menus, with an increasing array of innovative and delicious plant-centric dishes. The focus is shifting towards promoting a healthier and more environmentally conscious dining experience. As consumers become more health-conscious and eco-aware, restaurant menus are evolving to align with these values. This also includes ways to reduce food waste. In doing so, you can still offer a diverse and thoughtful array of options that cater to varying dietary preferences and ethical considerations.

Consider a Ghost Kitchen

Ghost kitchens, also known as virtual kitchens or cloud kitchens, have emerged as a prominent trend in the F&B world. With a focus on food for delivery and pick-up orders, this type of kitchen space eliminates the need for a traditional full-service establishment. The no dining floor business model is gaining popularity due to its cost-effectiveness and efficiency; it allows food producers to focus solely on their culinary offerings without the overhead of a physical storefront.

Often, these ghost kitchens host multiple brands under one roof. Restaurateurs experiment with diverse cuisines and concepts, responding to the demand for variety in the online food delivery market. The agility of the ghost kitchen model also allows for strategic partnerships and collaborations.

Popular Restaurant Trends in Technology

Technology integrations allow for streamlining in the order process, interactive menus, and more. Restaurants are leveraging technology to create seamless and user-friendly interactions. Mobile apps and online platforms enable customers to place orders, make reservations, and even customize their dining experience from the convenience of their smartphones. Moreover, the adoption of contactless payment systems and digital menus not only caters to the current demand for health and safety measures but also adds a layer of convenience for both customers and staff.

Caterers, too, are embracing technology to elevate their services. Online catering platforms and apps simplify the catering booking process, allowing clients to explore menu options, customize orders, and manage event details with ease. Virtual tastings, conducted through video conferencing, enable caterers to showcase their offerings and collaborate with clients remotely. Additionally, event planning software and management tools aid caterers in organizing and executing seamless events, from tracking RSVPs to managing inventory and logistics.

Focus for Restaurants and Their Sustainable Practices

Sustainable practices in the restaurant industry have evolved from being a niche trend to a fundamental ethos. In fact, these practices have shaped the way many establishments operate. One prominent trend is the emphasis on locally sourced and seasonally inspired menus. While innovative dishes (featuring global ingredients) are still loved, restaurants are forging partnerships with local farmers and producers. By doing so, independent restaurants are able to reduce their carbon footprint and support other local businesses. By prioritizing seasonal ingredients, chefs can showcase the freshest produce to create delicious meals. Conscious consumers often gravitate to a head chef or restaurant that focuses on sustainability.

Along with health benefits, a farm-to-table approach not only appeals to eco-conscious diners but also fosters a stronger connection between the restaurant and its community. Local sourcing also offers an opportunity to reduce food costs since you can sometimes remove the need for costly food delivery companies. There are many additional sustainable practices that you may be interested in implementing.

• Chefs finding creative ways to utilize every part of an ingredient (thus minimizing waste)
• Growing movement of restaurant chains reducing single-use plastics and eco-friendly packaging
• Implementing recycling and composting programs to divert organic waste from landfills

These practices are not just trends; they represent a fundamental shift towards a more environmentally conscious and responsible future for the restaurant industry.

What Restaurant Trends Will You Be Trying

From embracing sustainable practices and innovative technology to redefining dining spaces and tipping norms, the ever-changing trends are shaping the very essence of dining. By understanding and adapting to these trends, restaurant owners and managers can foster an environment that not only meets but exceeds guests’ expectations. How can Bergen Linen help you improve your customer experience? Request a complimentary quote today.