Nestle Minors Slow Simmered Stock - Free Sample - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Hellmann's Vegan Dressing & Spread - skyscraper - OE - 10.22

Hormel - Bacon 1 - Great Bacon in Half the Time - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Customize Creamy Comfort - skyscraper - both - 04.19

Sugar Foods - Add Savory Beet Notes Crispy Beets banner - both - 05.18

Performance Plus Food Safety - skyscraper - both - 09.21

Tyson - Hillshire Farm - Legendary Brand - skyscraper - both - 04.21

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt banner - both - 04.23

Tork One Napkin - banner - OE - 03.17

Dan's Prize Pulled Meats Simplify the Kitchen - banner - both - 04.20

Basic American Shred Competition operator banner ad - 12.17

Catch of the Season - skyscraper - both - 07.22

Banner Ad - 1 - MM - Recipes - Operator - supersized

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Style and Substance - skyscraper - both - 04.18

Hormel - Fontanini - Handcrafted Family Recipes - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Hellmann's Vegan Dressing and Spread - banner - OE - 10.22

Alaska Cod and Pollock: Crispy, Craveable, Comforting - skyscraper - both - 01.25

Tork Compact Foodservice Cloths - banner - both - 07.17

Reel in Greater Appeal - skyscraper - both - 10.22

Sunny Fresh Egg Bake Bites - skyscraper - both - 03.23

Empress 5-Compartment School Food Tray - 05.22

Cargill - Truvia Sweet Customer Satisfaction Naturally - skyscraper - both - 03.19

Catch of the Season - banner - both - 07.22

Sunny Fresh Egg Patty and French Toast - banner - both - 03.23

Jennie-O No Basic Burger Here - banner - both - 03.20

Sunny Fresh Bacon and Cheese EggStravanganza - skyscraper - both - 03.23

Seafood is Better - skyscraper - both - 05.21

Jennie-O Premium Turkey Breast Products - Turkey that Turns Up the Quality - banner - both - 02.20

Hormel - Bacon 1 - You've Never Seen Bacon Like This - banner - both - 02.20

TNT Burgers - Learn More - skyscraper - both - 03.23

Essity - Clean Dry Hands - banner - OE - 03.17

Hormel - Fontanini - Welcome to Our Family Tradition - banner - both - 02.20

Banner Ad - 2 - MM - Food calculator - Operator - Supersized

La Ranchera Birria Base - both - 09.24

Cargill - Truvia Serve America's Best-Selling Stevia Sweetener - skyscraper - both - 03.19

Rich's Plant Based Cooking Creme - banner - both - 02.18

Simplot Sidewinders - Make Waves - banner - both - 01.20

Butterball - Your Trusted Partner - skyscraper - both - 07.19

Alaska Cod and Pollock: Crispy, Craveable, Comforting - banner - both - 01.25

Hormel - Fire-Braised Chicken - Don't Labor Over Great Chicken - banner - both - 02.20

Hormel - Bacon 1 - Full Case of Bacon No Grease - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Potato Perks App - banner - both - 05.22

Tyson Cortona Pepperoni - skyscraper OE 1.23

Performance Dairy Craveable Flavor and Time Savings - banner - both - 04.24

Dan's Prize Sliced Meats Convenience - banner - both - 04.20

Jennie-O Take Burgers Over the Top with Turkey - skyscraper - both - 03.20

McCain - Rebuilding Your Biz - Episode 1 - Hack Your Way Back - skyscraper - both - 05.20

Hormel - Fire-Braised Chicken - Ease Your Operator's Kitchen - banner - both - 02.20

Savor Imports - banner - both - 06.24

Indiana Packers - All-in-One Pork Supplier - skyscraper - both - 07.21

Grab 'n Go! Anytime. Every Time - banner - both - 07.23

Sugar Foods Barista Blend - skyscraper - both - 04.17

Simplot Conquest Crispy Potato Strips - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Cargill - Truvia Serve Americas Best Selling Stevia Sweetener - banner - both - 03.19

Dixie Ultra Surface Systems - skyscraper - both - 02.23

Honest Earth - Better Potatoes for a Better World - banner - 05.23

Check Out the Major Products Product Guide - skyscraper - OE - 03.22

Basic American Crispy Craveable Operator banner ad - 12.17

Simplot Sidewinders - Bendy is Trendy - banner - both - 01.20

Butterball - Quality, Versatility, and Consistency - banner - both - 07.19

Hormel - Fire-Braised Chicken - We Cook It - Operators Take Credit - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Indiana Packers - All-in-One Pork Supplier - banner - both - 07.21

Simplot Sidewinders - Bendy is Trendy - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt skyscraper - both - 04.23

Nestle Stouffer White Mac and Cheese - banner - both - 08.18

Deliver Flavor and Value with Galbani Mozzarella - skyscraper - both - 07.22

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Beautiful Inside and Out - banner - both - 04.18

Performance Dairy Extra Melt - banner - both - 04.24

Nestle - Hot Cocoa Bulk and Single-Serve Packets - skyscraper - both - 09.21

Nestle - Every Season is Pumpkin Season - skyscraper - both - 08.18

McCain - Takeout and Delivery Menu Ideas - banner - both - 05.20

Sugar Foods - Turn Up the Beets Crispy Beets - banner - both - 05.18

Cooper Shreds Have Now Arrived - banner - 02.24

Rich's Plant-Based - Good Things Grow - banner - both - 11.20

Nestle Stouffers White Cheddar Mac and Cheese - skyscraper - both - 08.18

Banner Ad - 4 - PICs - Operator - supersized

Tyson - Wright Brand Bacon - skyscraper - both - 04.21

Wave of Inspiration - banner - both - 05.22

Fabri-Kal - Packaging solutions for environmental and off-premise needs - skyscraper - both - 11.19

Kraft - Bold Flavor, New Home. - skycraper - both - 08.22

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Beautiful Inside and Out - skyscraper - both - 04.18

Battered Alaska Cod Alaska Pollock Alaska Haddock - skyscraper - both - 01.25

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt banner with chef - both - 04.23

Ambrosia Chocolate - skyscraper - both - 03.23

Shrimp that Brings the Big Picture - banner - both - 11.22

A Family of Fine Cheeses - skyscraper - both - 08.22

Cargill - Truvia Sweet Customer Satisfaction Naturally - banner - both - 03.19

Sugar Foods Deliver It Better - skyscraper - both - 04.20

Nestle - Hot Cocoa Single-Serve Packets - banner - both - 09.21

Simply Potatoes Low Sodium Mashed Potatoes - skyscraper - both - 09.23

McCain - Tactical Takeout Webinar - skyscraper - both - 05.20

General Mills - Gluten Free Options - banner - both - 03.18

Simplot Harvest Fresh Avocado - banner - both - 01.20

Battered Alaska Cod Alaska Pollock Alaska Haddock banner - both - 01.25

Sugar Foods ecoStick Dispensers Beverage Station - skyscraper - both -10.16

Performance Dairy Clarified Butter - banner - both - 04.24

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt skyscraper with chef - both - 04.23

Simplot Delivery Solved - Conquest Fries - banner - both - 08.20

Nestle Vitality - Build a Refreshing Beverage Program - both - skyscraper - 04.20

Sugar Food Traina California Dried Fruits - banner - OE - 10.19

Assembling the right technologies to manage a restaurant is a bit like mingling the ingredients in a gourmet meal. Each tool and system has the potential to create a moment of Zen for the business and customers alike &mdash; but a sour note will create more chaos than harmony. If staff and systems don&rsquo;t work seamlessly together, the result can be a fragmented operation where vital data and processes don&rsquo;t align, and diners leave unsatisfied.
For those hungry for a recipe for restaurant technology success, this article examines recent trends and provides a menu of 10 technologies that are having the most impact on the industry now.
What Is Restaurant Technology?
Restaurant technologies are tools such as POS systems, online ordering platforms and inventory management software that help restaurateurs meet high customer expectations with superior quality and consistency, cost efficiency and profitability &mdash; all keys to <a href="https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/erp/restaurant-benchmarks.shtml" target="_blank">success in the restaurant industry</a>. It&rsquo;s a high-wire act, because restaurants often operate on the thinnest of margins. Success is virtually impossible without restaurant technology to maximize operating efficiency and cost management while creating the exceptional customer experiences that ensure word-of-mouth recommendations and brand loyalty.
The cornerstone of restaurant tech stacks are POS systems that coordinate operations by integrating sales, customer management and reporting functions into a single platform to improve accuracy and efficiency. A few restaurants have even placed customized tablets on every table, letting guests place their orders directly into the POS system. Meanwhile, online ordering and delivery platforms cater to customers&rsquo; ever-growing demand for convenience, while also helping restaurants expand their reach and build new revenue streams. <a href="https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/inventory-management/restaurant-inventory-management.shtml" target="_blank">Restaurant inventory management</a> systems ensure that just the right amount of ingredients and equipment are always in stock, which reduces waste and lowers costs and, thus, boosts profitability.
In addition, <a href="https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/crm/what-is-crm.shtml" target="_blank">customer relationship management (CRM) tools</a> and digital marketing platforms help foster and maintain strong customer interactions that lead to greater brand loyalty and repeat business. Kitchen display systems and automation tools ease communication between service teams and the kitchen to improve order accuracy and customer satisfaction. And of course, artificial intelligence is making inroads in a few forward-looking restaurant groups.
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li>Restaurants face the difficult challenge of managing high customer expectations, delivering superior quality and consistency, and maintaining costs and profitability in a traditionally low-margin industry.</li>
<li>Advanced POS systems, online ordering platforms and inventory management software are just a few of the popular technologies restaurants are adopting to gain greater efficiency, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction.</li>
<li>Emerging technologies expected to have a major impact on the industry include kitchen automation and robotics, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things devices, and augmented and virtual reality tools.</li>
</ul>
Restaurant Technology Trends Explained
Over the past 20 years, restaurant technology has evolved from <a href="https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/ecommerce/point-of-sale-POS.shtml" target="_blank">simple POS systems</a> to complex, integrated solutions that can drive every aspect of operations. In the early 2000s, POS systems began replacing traditional cash registers, providing better ways to track sales and manage inventory. By the mid-2000s, online ordering and delivery platforms began to appear, driven by consumer demand for convenience and the growth of internet access.
The 2010s introduced mobile payments and loyalty apps to enhance customer engagement and streamline transactions. In addition, cloud-based solutions became popular, enabling real-time data access and integration across multiple locations. At the same time, digital menus and self-service kiosks emerged to reduce both wait times and labor costs.
More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of contactless technologies, especially those related to delivery and takeout solutions, emphasizing the need for restaurants to embrace flexibility. Today, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and blockchain are poised to further reshape the industry, offering improved automation, transparency and personalized experiences.
10 Big Restaurant Technology Trends
The role of technology in restaurants continues to grow. In a recent National Restaurant Association (NRA) survey, 55% of restaurant operators said they&rsquo;re planning tech investments to improve service, while 60% said they&rsquo;re looking for systems that will enhance the customer experience.
Here are 10 technologies that will likely have significant impact on the restaurant industry in the near future.
1. Contactless and Mobile Payment Solutions
Contactless and mobile payment solutions offer speed and convenience for both customers and staff by reducing wait times, simplifying transactions and enhancing overall buyer satisfaction. What started as a way to minimize human contact during the COVID-19 pandemic has now become standard procedure for most restaurants. Systems like Apple Pay and Google Wallet enable diners to pay quickly by simply tapping their phones, eliminating the need for cash or cards. This is particularly useful during peak hours to reduce bottlenecks at checkout and improve table turnover rates.
2. Online Ordering and Delivery Platforms
Online ordering and delivery platforms are convenient for customers and expand restaurants&rsquo; reach. According to the NRA survey, eight out of 10 delivery customers say they would order delivery using a smartphone app. With user-friendly interfaces, real-time tracking and integrated payment capabilities, online platforms refine the ordering process to facilitate better customer experiences. They also help restaurants minimize wait times and overcome limited dining space by managing order flow and reducing kitchen congestion during peak hours. They can provide valuable data insights, too, that help restaurants customize their offerings and smooth their operations.
3. Digital Menu Boards and Self-Ordering Kiosks
Digital menu boards are dynamic displays that can easily update menu items, prices and promotions in real time, reducing the need for static, printed menus. Sometimes, digital menus are part of a self-ordering kiosk that allows customers to browse a digital menu, customize orders and make payments. Like many of the trends discussed in this article, self-ordering kiosks came to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to create a touchless experience for customers. In addition to their efficiency and customer service benefits, these technologies also cut down on order errors and labor costs. During busy hours, for example, self-ordering kiosks can handle a higher volume of orders without requiring additional staff, ensuring a smoother flow and faster service.
4. Advanced Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems
The latest POS systems are do-it-all solutions for the restaurant industry. They refine order processing by allowing servers &mdash; or patrons &mdash; to enter orders directly into the system, which then communicates with the kitchen in real time. They also handle payment transactions efficiently, supporting various payment methods, including credit cards, mobile payments and contactless options. They address inventory discrepancies by automatically updating stock levels in real time as orders are placed, preventing stockouts and waste. They also integrate various operational data, such as sales transactions, inventory levels, customer feedback and employee performance metrics, into a single platform, providing deep insights that serve data management and heighten overall efficiency.
5. Kitchen Automation and Robotics
Kitchen automation and robotics represent some of the more cutting-edge technologies in the restaurant industry, with capabilities including precision cooking, consistent portion control and real-time monitoring. These systems can handle repetitive tasks, like chopping and mixing, freeing up staff to focus on more complex and creative aspects of meal preparation. For example, automated fryers can cook items to exact specifications every time, reducing waste and improving quality. In a busy fast-food restaurant, a robotic arm can assemble burgers with perfect consistency, speeding up service during peak hours. The benefits of these technologies include reducing restaurants&rsquo; labor shortage challenge and minimizing human error.
6. AI-Powered Customer Insights and Marketing
Tech suppliers are looking to enable AI in their offerings to help restaurants better analyze customer data and fine-tune marketing strategies. AI-powered tools can give teams insights to dig into customer preferences, predict trends, personalize marketing programs for target audiences, optimize marketing budgets and help increase customer retention. For example, AI capabilities in an ERP system might analyze purchase patterns to suggest personalized promotions, boosting customer loyalty and sales. Find that a particular dish is popular among a certain demographic? Do some targeted advertisements to that group.
7. IoT and Smart Restaurant Management
The restaurant industry is a dynamic environment that requires precise control over operations including <a href="https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/inventory-management/inventory-management-trends.shtml" target="_blank">inventory management</a>, equipment maintenance, energy consumption and food safety. Using sensors, real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and automated alerts, Internet of Things (IoT) devices can monitor kitchen equipment, track inventory levels and hone energy use to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently. The result is fewer equipment failures, less waste and higher energy efficiency. For example, a smart refrigerator can send alerts if temperatures fluctuate, preventing food spoilage and minimizing waste. In a busy restaurant, IoT sensors can also track inventory and automatically reorder supplies when stock runs low, ensuring that ingredients are always available.
8. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Superior customer experience is a top priority for restaurants. AR and VR apps are an ideal way for restaurants to tackle this challenge because they leverage interactive interfaces, 3D visualization and immersive environments. For example, AR can create interactive menus where customers can see 3D models of their meals, helping them make better choices and increasing the likelihood that they&rsquo;ll have a positive experience. Meanwhile, VR can be used for immersive staff training by simulating real-life scenarios that better prepare employees for their roles. For example, VR training modules can simulate a busy kitchen, allowing new hires to practice without pressure, leading to better performance and less training time.
9. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Technologies
Given its high resource consumption and considerable waste production, the restaurant industry is a prime target for sustainability and eco-friendly technologies. Advances like energy-efficient kitchen equipment, waste reduction systems and sustainable sourcing platforms can help restaurants reduce their environmental footprints, cut costs and appeal to increasingly eco-conscious customers. Key features of sustainable and eco-friendly technologies include smart energy management, composting and recycling programs, and traceable supply chains. For instance, companies can use energy-efficient appliances to decrease electricity use and lower operational costs and carbon emissions. In addition, a waste reduction system can track how much food is discarded, allowing restaurants to adjust portion sizes, alter ordering practices and, ultimately, reduce both costs and environmental impact.
10. Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures
Restaurants handle large volumes of transactions and hold customer data, which makes them particularly attractive attack targets. Cybersecurity technologies, such as encryption, secure data storage and enhanced POS systems, can help protect sensitive information, prevent data breaches and ensure compliance with privacy regulations. For example, an advanced POS system with encryption can protect credit card information from being intercepted during transactions, safeguarding customers&rsquo; financial data. Multifactor authentication and regular security audits can both prevent unauthorized access and identify potential vulnerabilities. Staff training is also important to teach employees to, for example, recognize phishing attempts and effectively protect customer information.
The Future of Restaurant Technology
Several emerging restaurant technology trends have the potential to reshape the industry. With advances in AR technology, it&rsquo;s easy to imagine diners using AR glasses to view interactive menus, see virtual dishes on their tables before ordering or get detailed ingredient information and instant allergy alerts. It&rsquo;s not just cool technology &mdash; it can improve the dining experience and modernize restaurant ordering.
AI chatbots and virtual assistants could also wield a wide impact, handling customer inquiries, reservations and even making food preparation recommendations with a level of personalization that feels human. In the NRA survey, 16% of restaurant operators said they plan to invest in AI integration, including voice recognition, in 2024. This could reduce wait times and improve customer satisfaction.
Robotics will also likely continue to make inroads in restaurant operations, handling tasks like food preparation, cooking and even deliveries. This could lead to more consistent food quality and free up staff to focus on creating memorable customer experiences.
Behind the scenes, blockchain technology is increasingly seen as a way to promote greater transparency and traceability in the food supply chain. This could have a profound influence on safety while also building trust with customers by providing clear information on the origins and journeys of their food sources.
Technology is already reshaping restaurant operations and will likely have an even more significant impact in the near future, driving major shifts in efficiency and customer experience. Technologies like AI, robotics and blockchain have the potential to improve everything from food preparation to customer service. While adopting these new technologies promises to be exciting, restaurants need to be careful not to create technology silos in the process. The key is to implement technologies that work together to create a cohesive and efficient operation.
Restaurant Technology FAQs
What is the trend in technology in the food industry?
The food industry is trending toward greater use of automation, personalization and sustainability technologies. Automation and robotics can improve efficiency and consistency in food preparation and service. Artificial intelligence and data analytics can enable personalized customer experiences and more targeted marketing efforts. Sustainability-focused technologies, such as energy-efficient equipment and waste reduction systems, can help the industry reduce its environmental impact.
What technology is used in a restaurant?
Restaurants today use many technologies, including advanced point-of-sale systems for seamless transactions and inventory management and online ordering platforms for customer convenience. Kitchen automation and robotics improve efficiency and consistency in food preparation. Digital menu boards and self-ordering kiosks enhance the customer experience and simplify ordering processes. In addition, Internet of Things devices and smart management systems optimize energy use and monitor equipment performance.
What are the technological innovations in restaurants?
Technological innovations in restaurants include artificial intelligence to power analytics for personalized marketing and predictive inventory management. Virtual and augmented reality are being used for immersive training and interactive dining experiences. Contactless payment solutions and mobile ordering apps enhance convenience and safety for customers. Sustainability technologies, like energy-efficient appliances and waste reduction systems, are also helping restaurants minimize their environmental impact.
What is the future of restaurant technology?
The future of restaurant technology will see increased use of artificial intelligence and automation for personalized customer experiences and streamlined operations. Robotics will handle more food preparation tasks, improving efficiency and consistency. Internet of Things and smart management systems will optimize energy use and maintenance. Sustainability technologies will become essential, helping restaurants reduce waste and minimize their environmental footprint.
Source: Lisa Schwarz, <a href="https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/business-strategy/restaurant-technology-trends.shtml" target="_blank">Oracle NetSuite</a>

For those hungry for a recipe for restaurant technology success, this article examines recent trends and provides a menu of 10 technologies that are having the most impact on the industry now.

10 Restaurant Technology Trends to Watch in 2025

The restaurant industry is on the brink of exciting transformations. With shifting consumer preferences, advancements in technology, and a growing focus on sustainability, it's essential for restaurant operators to stay informed about the trends shaping the future of dining. Here's a closer look at the key trends to watch and how to adapt your operations for success.
Sustainability is Here to Stay
<a href="https://www.synergyconsultants.com/blog-posts/sustainable-seafood-is-a-hot-trend" target="_blank">Sustainability</a> isn't just a trend; it's becoming a core value for many consumers. Diners are increasingly gravitating towards restaurants that prioritize eco-friendly practices. This means sourcing ingredients locally, reducing food waste, and implementing energy-efficient operations. As an operator, consider developing partnerships with local farms, creating seasonal menus, and using composting systems. Not only does this appeal to environmentally conscious diners, but it can also enhance your brand's reputation.
Tech-Driven Dining Experiences
The integration of technology into the dining experience continues to grow. Technology enhances how customers interact with restaurants, from AI-driven recommendations to seamless mobile ordering systems. Investing in user-friendly apps, table-side ordering systems, and advanced point-of-sale solutions can streamline operations and improve customer engagement. Don't overlook the power of data analytics to understand customer preferences and optimize your offerings.
Health-Conscious Offerings
With a growing focus on health and wellness, consumers are seeking nutritious dining options. This trend includes a demand for plant-based dishes, organic ingredients, and transparency about sourcing. Consider revamping your menu to include healthier options that cater to various dietary preferences. Highlighting nutritional information and offering customizable meals can attract health-conscious diners and keep them returning.
Flexibility in Dining Formats
The restaurant landscape is diversifying with the rise of flexible dining formats. Ghost kitchens, food trucks, and pop-up restaurants are becoming increasingly popular, offering lower overhead costs and adaptability to changing consumer behaviors. As an operator, think creatively about how you can implement these models. For example, a ghost kitchen could allow you to test new concepts without the financial burden of a full-service restaurant.
Elevated Takeout and Delivery Options
The pandemic has solidified takeout and delivery as essential components of the dining experience. To stand out, focus on enhancing these services. Invest in packaging that maintains food quality and creates an enjoyable unboxing experience for your customers. Additionally, consider developing exclusive takeout menus that reflect your brand's uniqueness while catering to the convenience diners crave.
&zwj;Memorable Experiences
In a crowded marketplace, creating memorable dining experiences can set your restaurant apart. Consumers want more than just a meal; they want an experience. This could involve themed nights, live entertainment, or interactive dining events. Pay attention to your establishment's atmosphere, service quality, and overall vibe. Engaging customers beyond the food can foster loyalty and encourage repeat visits.
As we move into 2025, the restaurant industry is poised for transformation. By embracing sustainability, leveraging <a href="https://www.synergyconsultants.com/blog-posts/tap-into-technology" target="_blank">technology</a>, and focusing on customer experiences, operators can navigate these changes and thrive in a competitive market. Staying ahead of these trends will help you meet consumer demands and position your restaurant for long-term success. Now is the time to innovate and adapt, ensuring your establishment remains relevant in the ever-evolving dining landscape. Let's embrace the future of dining together!
Source: <a href="https://www.synergyconsultants.com/blog-posts/navigating-the-future-key-restaurant-trends-for-2025" target="_blank">Synergy Restaurant Consultants</a>

The restaurant industry is on the brink of exciting transformations.

Navigating the Future: Key Restaurant Trends for 2025

The global pandemic and ensuing years of supply disruption, unabating inflation and general worldwide unease, have produced an extended period of challenging operating conditions for the restaurant and foodservice industry in the U.S. and abroad.
But as pandemic-driven inflationary pressures finally begin to subdue in many&mdash;but certainly not all&mdash;global markets, lingering labor issues and ongoing potential for market disruptions brought about by extreme weather and conflicts will continue to keep operators and suppliers awake at night.
Despite it all, 2025 will be the year of hope.
Looking ahead, expect to see many of last year&rsquo;s macro trends evolve and mature, while quick-moving fads burn bright and fade. Korean foods, egg sandwiches, beverage chain proliferation and the acceleration of product development&mdash;all covered in previous annual global forecasts&mdash;remain highly relevant to the mass market, even as newer trends emerge and mature.
As noted before, the need to perk up weary consumers is high on operators&rsquo; priority lists, and 2025 will be no exception. Expect this to be expressed through experiences, marketing and menu development that are grounded in communal, whimsical and escapist themes. More than ever, restaurants are a refuge of certainty in a world of seemingly constant uncertainty.
With this as context, we are pleased to&nbsp;<a title="2025-Global-Trends-Technomic" href="https://greatmenusstarthere.com/uploads/files/2025-Global-Trends-Technomic.pdf" target="_blank">share our perspective</a> on what&rsquo;s set to influence restaurant operations, marketing and menus around the globe in the coming year and beyond.
Analogue Alternatives
Plant-based meat alts had a moment in the spotlight, but 2025 will find new stars in the protein category. Ostrich made news as a beef alternative in Japan, and frog legs are trending up on chain menus in China. Consumer demand for new flavors and experiences coupled with the reality of rising costs for many everyday proteins in some cases has elevated the introduction of less-common meats, poultry and other animal-derived products. In 2025, expect more operators to go beyond standard beef, pork, poultry and seafood to explore a wider variety of animal proteins. At the same time, look for more chains to introduce milks not derived from cows or plants, particularly camel and buffalo milks.
Imposters, Fakes, Replications &amp; Copycats
In the age of hypercompetitive product development, many restaurant chains are looking to their direct competitors&rsquo; core menus for product inspiration. There&rsquo;s a growing number of restaurant brands that apparently see no need to reinvent the wheel, opting to freely imitate, replicate and downright copy successful products found on other chain menuboards. Primarily impacting fast-food chains, expect to see many more new products in the burger, pizza, drink and dessert categories that reference&mdash;explicitly or implicitly&mdash;signature offerings from leading global brands over the coming year.
All Eyes on Southeast Asia
Restaurant chains from China, Japan, South Korea, the U.S., Australia and the Middle East are eyeing Southeast Asia for expansion opportunities as they face saturation, slow growth and intense competition at home. Singapore is emerging as the proving ground for entry into this region. Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines are solidifying as secondary entry points. Many fast-growing brands from within this region are also eyeing local growth as well as more aspirational global expansion. Watch brands like Kopi Kenangan, ZUS Coffee and Tealive in particular. Quick-service formats, beverage-heavy menus, extensive applications of tech, localized branding and extremely rapid product development are commonalities among the region&rsquo;s leading players.
&ldquo;Inherivation&rdquo;
The strategy of developing innovative new products based firmly on inherited cuisine traditions and standards is nothing new in the restaurant world, but this culinary approach is poised to gain traction across global markets at the chain level. Next year will see more and more operators leveraging the inherivation trend to bring new and differentiated products to the mass market&mdash;particularly to cater to local tastes and preferences. Take for instance the modern adaptation of traditional mix coffee emerging in South Korea, or how local brands in Mexico are rethinking traditional chiles en nogada and pan de muerto for contemporary diners. Other preparations getting the treatment include British fish and chips, Mexican birria, Japanese ramen, Hawaiian poke and Korean chimaek. Even traditions such as Japanese omakase will be taken into new and unfamiliar directions, such as the application to comfort foods like pizza, burgers and fried chicken.
Escapist Themes
Restaurants will increasingly cater to consumers looking for reprieve from the stresses of daily life. On menus, expressions of this trend may include new products that reference outer space, fantasy and transportation to a far-off land. More experiential forms could be catered picnics in serene locales, immersive group dinners that transport guests back in time, and dining rooms that welcome pet parents and their fur babies.
Dessertified Snacks
As much as brands have paid increasingly close attention to their sweet options in recent years&mdash;with pizza operators in particular revisiting their dessert pizza menus&mdash;operators are set to bring classic dessert ingredients to their sides and snacks. Look for global and local operators to introduce such selections as loaded fries topped with ice cream, dumplings filled with chocolate sauce or tteokbokki bathed in sweet sesame pastes as this trend matures over the coming year.
Regional &amp; Emerging Trends to Watch
When it comes to global cuisine influences, expect to see more milanesa by way of Argentina, more Hong Kong-style barbecue, more Turkish street foods and&mdash;as predicted in years past&mdash;more casual Korean favorites.
There will be more promotion of love/hate ingredients like cilantro, pineapple on pizza and fish mint. Some might even call these ingredient controversial. For restaurants, it&rsquo;s a way to spark social chatter.
Expect restaurants to up their use of avocado and sweet corn across all aspects of the menu, including drinks and desserts.
Coffee and tea concepts will roll out more items with matcha, pistachio, and fresh-prepped soy milks and yogurts.
Regenerative flours will get more features in pastas and pizza crusts.
Popular in parts of Asia, konjac will emerge in the west in tea drinks and as a healthy rice or noodle alternative.
We will see more fast-casual and casual-dining concepts with a Pan-Africa positioning, particularly in Europe and North America.
Mexican pambazo sandwiches may emerge on menuboards at fast-casual chains and food trucks alike.
Many chains will be leaning into applying the golden ratio to their menu development and will be marketing that trending term specifically and loudly. The concept has been gaining momentum among leading operators in Asia, with one global player recently touting its development of a pizza topped with the golden ratio of cheese as determined by AI.
And finally, look for clever use of marshmallows in classic, whimsical and globally inspired variations on both dessert and savory menus as the surprise hit ingredient for 2025.
Source: Aaron Jourden &amp; Keegan Sims, Technomic

Explore Technomic 's global foodservice trend predictions for the year to come.

2025 Global Restaurant Trends Forecast

Archives

The Trends Issue

10 Restaurant Technology Trends to Watch in 2025

Navigating the Future: Key Restaurant Trends for 2025

2025 Global Restaurant Trends Forecast