The restaurant industry in the United States is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.96% until 2023. The market is forecasted to reach US $708.9 billion by the end of 2023. The restaurant industry’s growth is driven by many factors, including the increasing disposable income of consumers and the gradual comeback of the travel and tourism industry as travel restrictions slowly recede.
As society moves into 2023, there are a few key restaurant trends that are likely to only grow further in popularity and development:
Delivery or Pick-Up Options
As the restaurant industry continues to grow, so makes the demand for delivery and pickup options. More and more people are opting to have their food delivered or to pick it up themselves. This shift has led restaurants to focus on developing new delivery and pickup methods that make the process as easy and convenient as possible for customers.
Online ordering is one of the restaurants’ most popular deliveries and pickup methods. This method allows customers to place orders through the restaurant’s website or mobile app. Once the order is placed, the restaurant prepares the food and either deliver it to the customer’s location or provides them with a pickup time. This also means that customers can pay for their orders online, making the process even more convenient. Another popular delivery and pickup method is through third-party apps, which allow customers to order from various restaurants and have the food delivered to their location.
Ghost Kitchens
As restaurants face ever-growing competition, some turn to ghost kitchens to stay afloat. Ghost kitchens are secret kitchens used only for delivery and takeout orders, with no dine-in service. This allows restaurants to focus on their in-house dining experience while still catering to customers who want food delivered or picked up.
Meanwhile, some businesses are built primarily on ghost kitchens. This boom started during the pandemic and will likely continue after things return to normal. This is because some customers have developed a taste for delivery and takeout. This will likely remain appealing to some busy consumers because of the convenience.
Automated Restaurants
Many consumers are likely to return to dine-in restaurants where they can dine with their loved ones without worrying about the dishes after. Hence, many restaurants focus on improving their dine-in experience by automating specific tasks such as cooking, cleaning, taking orders, and receiving payments. Restaurants can operate with fewer employees, resulting in lower business costs. This also allows restaurants to serve more customers in a shorter amount of time.
Moreover, restaurants will likely aim to improve the dining experience for customers by improving the premises. This involves having professional services renovate the place for increased customer satisfaction. Of course, to keep your customers comfortable with their dining experience, you’ll need to provide them with certain amenities. Lighting can set any restaurant’s ambiance. Likewise, many business owners can provide a comfortable temperature with which customers can dine. They can ensure they achieve this by hiring a reputable commercial air conditioning service and repair to maintain the comfortable temperature of their restaurant.
The same can be said for any plumbing issues the restaurant may have. All leaky pipes or broken taps must be adequately repaired. This is essential, especially now that customers have grown more conscious of maintaining cleanliness and sanitation. Hence, by investing in the right technology and equipment, as well as the necessary repairs, restaurants can show their customers that they are taking the necessary steps to ensure their safety.
Inclusive Menus
Inclusive Menus are on the rise as restaurants aim to serve everyone. This is because there is a growing demand for restaurants to cater to their specific needs, whether it be dietary restrictions or allergies. Restaurants that want to stay competitive are starting to offer inclusive menus, which lists all ingredients and allergens for each dish. This allows customers to make informed decisions about what they can and cannot eat.
As people become more health-conscious, restaurants are starting to offer more healthy options. This trend is especially popular among millennials, who are willing to spend more money on more nutritious food. Some restaurants are even starting to offer plant-based options for those who want to eat less meat.
There is also a trend of restaurants getting more involved in their local communities. This can manifest in many ways, such as partnering with local farmers and purveyors, hosting community events, or donating to local charities. Restaurants seen as good citizens are often rewarded with loyal customers.
The restaurant industry is constantly evolving and changing, with new trends coming in and out of style. It’s essential to stay ahead of the curve if you want your restaurant to remain successful and popular with customers dining in and opting for delivery.
