Future Foodservice Industry Trends to Watch

Restaurants and the foodservice industry have experienced many challenges and changes in operation, with delivery options increasing and full-service restaurants just finding their feet again.

FREMONT, CA: Restaurants and technology continually innovate to enhance the customer and employee experience. The restaurant industry has had to find ways to remain operational while embracing new changes, particularly in the past year. Among these alterations are modifications to the menu, increased use of technology, new delivery options, and alterations to the interior and seating arrangements.

Finances Online, investigating the current trends in fast food and the growing demand for convenience, writes, "current restaurant food trends indicate that the fast food chains are set to thrive even with the ongoing pandemic." This segment will generate $931,7 billion in total sales by 2027. Restaurants and industries have continued to adapt as customers have, welcoming changes. Such alterations have continued to gain significance and interest and will lead to the emergence of other digital foodservice industry trends in the coming year.

THE PRESENT STATE OF FOODSERVICE

The restaurant industry will continue to prosper in the coming years. Labor and menu shortages will likely persist and create obstacles, requiring restaurants to adapt to industry trends to remain operational.

The foodservice industry continues to be plagued by limited-service concepts as sales continue to rise. Restaurants employ ingenious methods to streamline menus and circumvent supply chain issues with ingredients and products. These issues may result in menu modifications or adjustments to food preparation. The foodservice industry operators must find new ways to satisfy their customers' comfort and experience needs.

This can be accomplished by enhancing delivery, takeout, and contactless service while maintaining efficiency.

MENU ITEMS WILL CONTINUE TO EVOLUTION

In response to supply chain issues with products and ingredients, restaurants have adapted their menus creatively. Sometimes, they have altered how food is prepared or found inventive ways to serve limited items. This could include cooking a dish differently than in the past to introduce new flavors and textures. A trend in the foodservice industry embraced more accommodations for vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary preferences. Adding more variety to the menu and reaching out to more customers will also contribute to the development of brand loyalty.

TECHNOLOGY WILL ASSIST IN ACHIEVING A BALANCE BETWEEN COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

Technological advancements in the foodservice industry result from pandemic concerns and the need for contactless orders and services. Customers are increasingly utilizing pickup or delivery services and prefer online ordering. Adaptable mobile applications and newly enhanced, user-friendly websites are becoming the norm. Emerging technology and new developments will continue to drive customer satisfaction and convenience. Businesses will continue to expand, and customers can order from their favorite restaurants without sacrificing comfort and convenience.

RESTAURANTS WILL USE TECHNOLOGY TO STREAMLINE EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES

Additionally, the foodservice industry continues to rely on technology to combat the persistent labor shortage. Restaurant owners are streamlining processes and embracing technological advances in the kitchen and dining area. Utilizing new technologies permits more efficient workflows, scheduling, and forecasting. Due to problems with the supply chain and the inability to obtain necessary ingredients, technology can provide kitchen staff and restaurant owners with the ability to forecast and evolve their inventory management of food and supplies.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Creating an engaging social media presence is no more exclusive to superstars and 'influencers'; with TikTok growing in popularity, anyone can submit food-related material, from the average home cook to Michelin star chefs vying for social media prominence. Modern diners expect the ability to order food and read reviews online, so chefs and the restaurants they work for must keep their internet profiles updated often.

GHOST KITCHENS

Takeout food and ghost kitchens will continue to exist. Dark, cloud, ghost, and virtual kitchens, which operate under various aliases and are becoming increasingly widespread, are purpose-built kitchens meant solely to deliver takeout cuisine. During the height of the pandemic, the number of "ghost kitchens" increased dramatically. With limited access to brick-and-mortar venues, new restaurants resorted to "dark kitchens" to meet rising demand.