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Restaurant Industry Trends in 2024
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has gradually decreased, its impact on the restaurant industry over the past three years has been so far-reaching that it can still influence restaurant industry trends through 2024, while scientific and technological advances, market demand, and environmental awareness are also shaping the restaurant industry.
All restaurant operators want to keep up with the trends and stand out from the competition, and Chefmax predicts 8 restaurant industry trends that will help you update your decisions.
Table of Contents
8 restaurant industry trends
A. Delivery services and ghost kitchens
As takeout and delivery services continue to grow in popularity, restaurants will be more concerned with creating efficient takeout systems and may focus on menu design adapted to the needs of takeout (hence the birth of the Ghost Kitchen).
Takeout
The rise of takeout is directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though the takeaway market had a year-on-year growth trend before this, the emergence of the pandemic caused the number of offline meals to fall off a cliff, and the contactless takeaway delivery industry grew significantly as a result. The online food delivery market is expected to generate $1.65 trillion in revenue by 2027, with further developments in the packaging industry and delivery platform technology associated with delivery services.
Ghost kitchens
The rapid growth of online food delivery services has led to the emergence of ghost kitchens. As a new trend in the food service industry that has rapidly emerged in recent years, ghost kitchens have a promising future. The market is expected to reach $223.7 billion by 2027.
By 2030, "ghost kitchens" will emerge to capture 50 percent of the drive-thru and takeout foodservice markets, respectively. Because ghost kitchens have a low start-up cost and a low cost of trial and error, many restaurant operators are considering starting a ghost kitchen to enter the market.
B. Vegetarian menu
Organic, low-calorie vegetarian options are on the rise as a long-term restaurant industry trend, reflecting consumers' growing concern for health, wellness and wellness, as well as their pursuit of environmentally friendly and sustainable diets.
In this trend, vegetarianism is no longer just a dietary option, but a strategy for restaurant operators to attract and satisfy a diverse range of needs. Vegetarian options on the menu are no longer just a few standard items but include a diverse range of creative vegetarian dishes covering a wide range of choices such as all-vegetarian, custard vegetarian, and flexi vegetarian. Some restaurants have begun to woo customers by using local, fresh, and organic food, which means fresh and organic enough.
Additionally, low-calorie options are becoming an important part of this trend. Even fast food restaurants, known for their high-calorie offerings, are beginning to offer specialized low-calorie foods and set menus - such as salads and go-to-dressing options - to cater to consumers seeking a healthier lifestyle.
C. Automation technology
The rise of automation in the restaurant industry has become a trend that cannot be ignored, a change that not only improves the efficiency of restaurants but also solves the problem of labor difficulties. Key areas include the widespread use of automation equipment such as intelligent stir-fry machines and the development of non-contact ordering systems, which include innovations such as QR code ordering and self-service ordering kiosks.
Automation equipment
In restaurant kitchens, the introduction of automated devices such as smart stir-fry machines has made cooking more precise, efficient, and controllable. This not only solves the problem of labor shortages due to pandemics and rising labor costs but also ensures consistency in cooking. Intelligent stir-fry machines provide more technological support for kitchen operations through advanced automation control systems that automatically monitor and regulate the stir-fry process.
Other automation technologies
The non-contact ordering system has become another highlight of the restaurant business. The convenience and efficiency of QR code ordering have led to a new consumer experience. By scanning the QR code on the table, customers can get the menu information and order food on their own.
This not only reduces the labor intensity of service staff but also provides a more personalized way of ordering food. In addition, the flexibility of QR code menus allows restaurants to easily upsell and drive product promotions and campaigns by linking to various types of marketing.
D. Price increase trends
Some other notable restaurant industry trends are a series of price increases. Multiple factors include the COVID-19 pandemic, rising labor costs, supply chain shortages and disruptions, and inflation.
Effects of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the global restaurant industry. Increased sanitation and safety measures, reduced restaurant capacity, and changes in consumer behavior have led to higher operating costs. In response to these challenges, restaurants have been forced to adopt several pandemic preparedness measures, which include higher hygiene standards and purchasing costs, thus increasing the burden on operations.
Social media reputation
Rising labor costs have also been a major factor in price increases. The tight labor market as well as increased employee compensation and benefits have directly impacted restaurant operating costs. Supply chain issues on a global scale are also an important reason for cost increases, including shortages of raw materials and transportation difficulties, which directly lead to increased production costs.
Restaurants can only cope with the uncertainty in the supply chain by increasing their selling prices to maintain normal operations. Global chain brands such as McDonald's have also increased set menu prices globally.
E. Social media marketing
Today, social media marketing is a restaurant industry trend that can't be ignored, and this trend highlights the importance of building a brand image and engaging customers through online platforms in the digital age.
Social media reputation
The popularity of social media has provided a platform for restaurants to interact directly with their customers. By posting food photos, promotions, specialties, and other content, restaurants can build a strong connection with potential customers.
Online reviews have become a key factor in influencing potential customers' decisions. Proactively collecting feedback from customers after dining, responding positively to reviews, and managing reputation effectively are indispensable strategies for building restaurant credibility and attracting more customers.
Build customer loyalty
Building your website and brand is also an important part of social media marketing. Restaurants tend to take better control of their brand image, showcasing menus, specialties, and the atmosphere of the restaurant. Today's restaurants often attract customers and expand their reach by linking to cultural areas, holding trendy events, and issuing gifts with logos. They also offer incentives such as loyalty points and special offers to encourage customers to return.
F. Customer customization
The restaurant industry is shifting towards a trend centered on customer customization to provide a personalized dining experience. Through customized menu recommendations, data analysis of customer preferences, and personalized discounts, restaurants are creating a more unique dining experience for customers.
Restaurants provide customized menu recommendations by analyzing customers' historical ordering data and preferences. This personalized recommendation not only satisfies customers' tastes but also makes it easier for customers to find their favorite dishes among the many choices. Through intelligent algorithms and data mining technology, restaurants can better understand customers' needs and improve the accuracy and personalization of ordering.
Secondly, personalized corresponding discounts are an effective way to inspire customers' trust and sense of belonging. By analyzing customers' consumption history and behavior, restaurants can provide them with personalized discounts and offers that are more acceptable to customers.
G. Sustainability
Sustainability is not only a restaurant industry trend, but also a global industry trend.
Energy-saving and environmentally friendly equipment
In terms of equipment, restaurants are increasingly concerned about being environmentally friendly. Electromagnetic technology, environmentally friendly refrigerants, and energy-efficient equipment are all receiving attention. These features can further reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and are environmentally friendly while lowering energy bills and improving economic efficiency for restaurants.
Sustainable Operations
The restaurant also has several sustainable measures in its operations, such as sorting and recycling, reducing waste, conserving water and electricity, and using biodegradable take-out containers. In addition, restaurants promote the concept of saving food and reducing waste through signage reminders and publicity. Some restaurants reduce the use of disposable straws by using improved cup lids. As ecological and environmental issues become more serious, sustainable measures will increasingly be implemented in every aspect of restaurant development.
H. New revenue sources
In a down economy and an increasingly competitive restaurant industry, countless restaurants have begun to explore new sources of revenue and profitability. Selling courses and peripheral products are two common forms.
Utilizing their own culinary skills and food culture, restaurants offer cooking classes to allow customers to participate and learn the art of cooking firsthand. Expand your reach while increasing profitability. Another way is to offer recipes or other peripheral products. The restaurant sells its brand of seasonings, snacks, or specialty items for customers to purchase, and at the same time discloses some recipes so that customers can make delicious dishes at home.
Summary
Among these restaurant industry trends, customer experience is the most important and easy-to-start key. Getting the customer is getting everything, and with new measures for new times, restaurants are actively wooing customers through customization, venturing into the cultural realm, and demonstrating social responsibility. By capitalizing on these restaurant trends and being flexible, restaurants can expect to stand out in a competitive market.