It can be hard to stay up to date on the latest restaurant business trends. As the restaurant industry continues to grow and evolve, it seems like every week, we see new restaurant trends popping up.
As more consumers seek to avoid the hassle of cooking at home, more restaurants are opening up to meet this demand.
The restaurant industry is expected to grow significantly in the next few years, so it’s important to be aware of the latest trends so you can stay ahead of the curve.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 9 restaurant business trends that will be big in 2022.
1 – More Restaurants Open on Sundays
One of the fastest-growing trends in the restaurant business is the number of restaurants opening on Sundays.
Many people start their weekend with brunch or lunch at a Sunday brunch spot. This is an excellent opportunity for restaurants to take advantage of the crowds, increase their visibility, and capture customers’ attention.
According to data from Restaurant Business, the number of restaurants that offer brunch on Sunday has nearly tripled since 2014. In 2018, the number of restaurants offering brunch on Sundays increased by 13.3 percent compared to 2017.
2 – More Restaurants Move Off the Menu
Restaurant menus have become increasingly more complicated. When new trends come along, there are more items added to the menu, and it gets longer. This hardly provides a satisfying experience for customers, and the average customer visit gets shorter.
Restaurants are getting more creative with their menus, moving away from the traditional menu format, and offering options off the menu. They’re adding new items, experimenting with different flavors, and coming up with unique ways (that include a variety of menu items from appetizers, entrees, and desserts) to stand out from the crowd. Customers can order a cheeseburger and also opt to have it served with fries and a side salad.
A menu should provide an enjoyable dining experience for your customers. Offering different items on the menu will keep them interested and allow you to engage with them in new ways.
3 – Delivery Services Grow in Popularity
Delivery services have become very popular across the country. This is largely thanks to the convenience of the online ordering process, which has made delivery services more convenient than ever.
This convenience has led to a significant increase in the number of people ordering delivery.
According to Statistica, the revenue of online food delivery services is expected to be US$343.8 billion this year.
4 – Self-Ordering Apps Increase in Popularity
Self-ordering apps like Seamless, Grubhub, and UberEats have grown in popularity. This is because it’s easier to order these items through an app. It’s easier to find what you’re looking for, and the app makes it faster and easier to order.
This is another trend that has seen a significant increase in usage. In 2018, the number of people ordering through these self-ordering apps increased by 10.3 percent. The average number of users of online food ordering apps is expected to be 54 million by 2024.
5 – Restaurants Add Specialty Items to Menu
Specialty items are one of the best ways to draw in new customers and keep existing ones coming back.
Many specialty items are unique to a particular place and can help you stand out in a crowded market. Some popular specialty items include:
- Wine Pairings
- Cocktail Recipes
- Truffles
- Craft Beer
- Desserts
- Local Produce
6 – Farm-to-Table Restaurants Become More Popular
The farm-to-table movement has been gaining momentum in recent years. This is a trend where restaurants source their ingredients from local farmers and producers.
The farm-to-table movement is about more than just the food. It’s also about supporting the local economy and getting fresher ingredients. When you source your ingredients from local farmers, you can be sure that they’re of the highest quality.
This is a trend that is here to stay and one that will only become more popular in the years to come.
7 – Restaurants Get More Creative with Packaging and Promotions
Restaurants become more creative with their packaging to make their customers engaged with their brand. A few creative packaging trends that can be outsourced from the restaurant supply store include interactivity (QR codes that open a website), sustainability (recyclable and reusable packaging), transparency (transparent packaging), and minimalism (simple and clean packaging).
Another creativity that captivates customers is providing restaurant custom printed products that promote the restaurant and include personalized coffee mugs, face masks, fridge magnets, and more.
This is a trend that is likely to continue as restaurant owners look for new ways to attract and retain customers.
8 – Healthy Eating Becomes More Popular
As people become more health-conscious, they’re looking for healthier options when they eat out. This trend has led to a rise in the popularity of healthy eating restaurant concepts.
Healthy eating restaurant concepts offer menu items that are low in calories, fat, and sugar. They also offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.
If you’re looking to tap into this trend, consider adding some healthy options to your menu.
9 – Technology Becomes More Important in the Restaurant Industry
Technology has become increasingly important in the restaurant industry. You can see automation everywhere, from restaurant supply store ordering to kitchen equipment.
While technology can sometimes be seen as a threat to the restaurant industry, it can also be used to improve the dining experience. For example, restaurant owners can use technology to track customer data and preferences. This information can be used to customize the dining experience and make it more personal.
This is evident in the way that restaurant owners are using technology to streamline their operations. Automation is helping restaurant owners to save time and money.
Final Thoughts
The restaurant industry is constantly evolving. As the world changes, so do the way that we eat. Restaurants have to change with the times to stay relevant. The trends discussed here are just a few of the ways that restaurants are changing.
If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, it’s important to keep an eye on these trends. By understanding the trends, you can make changes to your restaurant and keep it ahead of the competition.
