Consumer Trends

  • An image of a woman ordering from a restaurant website.
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    grinvalds via Getty Images
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    Report: Diners who order off restaurant websites tip better, order more often

    These digital customers are more likely to be loyalty members, Paytronix found, and have less time between repeat orders than third-party customers. 

    By • June 5, 2023
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    sam edwards via Getty Images
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    4 restaurant industry predictions from the NRA Show

    Ghost kitchens, immigration policy, managerial automation and catering could help shape the future of the industry, experts said at the National Restaurant Association Show.

    By • May 31, 2023
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    sam edwards via Getty Images
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    Trendline

    Restaurant Dive Outlook for 2023

    Restaurants across categories are hungry for growth this year, with many embracing franchising. However, confidence in the ghost kitchen model is waning.

    By Restaurant Dive staff
  • Outside picture of the inside of a store, a sign that says 100% vegan with yellow and black chairs
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    Retrieved from Adobe Stock.
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    Sponsored by Catania Oils

    Plant-based 101: What you need to know

    Plant-based diets have gone from being eccentric to the mainstream, with one in four Americans eating vegan or vegetarian some or all of the time. Read this introductory guide to start supplementing your menu with plant-based options.

    May 30, 2023
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    Permission granted by TaKorean
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    How restaurants can get a slice of Gen Z’s $360B spending power

    This generation's prioritization of time, social media and altruism — combined with a comparative mistrust of tech — sets it apart from millennials and Gen X.

    By • May 25, 2023
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    Courtesy of BentoBox
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    BentoBox: Reservation platforms are least popular tool for restaurant search

    Most diners rely on recommendations from friends and family, or on social media posts, when weighing new restaurants to try, per a survey. 

    By • May 25, 2023
  • A customer scans his palm with an Amazon One device at a Panera cafe.
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    Courtesy of Panera
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    NFTs, personalization and biometric pay are shaping restaurant loyalty

    At the National Restaurant Association Show, experts and operators discussed how restaurants are innovating their rewards to stay competitive as inflation erodes diner spend. 

    By • May 22, 2023
  • A cook prepares food on a preparation line while a mobile device is attached at the top of the line.
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    Permission granted by Square
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    Sponsored by Square

    The top restaurant trends in 2023

    As consumer dining preferences and economic conditions continue to evolve, it’s important to understand restaurant trends and strategies that work.

    May 22, 2023
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    Permission granted by Square
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    Sponsored by Square

    How this brewery-gastropub saves 6 hours a week with integrated payroll

    Learn how a brewing company used Square to grow their business, boost revenue and generate higher numbers of repeat customers.

    May 15, 2023
  • Actor Ben Affleck, wearing a blue plaid shirt and dark coat, stands center frame in front of a Dunkin' cash register.
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    Permission granted by Dunkin'
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    Q&A

    Dunkin’s CMO on bringing the brand’s vision into focus — and those buzzy Ben Affleck ads

    Jill McVicar Nelson detailed a “fewer, bigger, better” ethos that is helping to balance brand and performance marketing at a transitional point for QSRs.

    By Peter Adams • May 10, 2023
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    Hinterhaus Productions via Getty Images
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    Sponsored by MERGE

    Restaurant experience reset: Forecasting the future of quick service and casual dining

    A closer look at which recent restaurant trends will stand the test of time and which will fade from relevancy.  

    May 8, 2023
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    Permission granted by Square
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    Sponsored by Square

    5 tips for building an omnichannel restaurant strategy

    Restaurants are finding new ways to meet consumers on the channels they’re already using. Here are five tips for building an omnichannel restaurant strategy to more effectively reach and engage with customers.

    May 8, 2023
  • A selection of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's food with new branding
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    Courtesy of CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.
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    Major CKE franchisee goes bankrupt, shutters 39 stores

    Summit Restaurant Holdings, which operates around 106 Hardee’s locations, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Thursday.

    By • May 5, 2023
  • Brinker International launched its second virtual brand, Maggiano's Italian Classics, in 2021.
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    Retrieved from Maggiano's Italian Classics on August 18, 2021
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    Brinker to phase out Maggiano’s Italian Classics virtual brand

    The brand lasted fewer than two years at the restaurant company, which is looking to to free up labor and time to focus on in-restaurant operations. 

    By • May 4, 2023
  • Promotional image for Resy as part of its reservationship campaign.
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    Courtesy of Resy
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    Resy ‘drops’ exclusive reservations in new campaign

    “Reservationships” offers exclusive experiences with limited availability at in-demand eateries in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and Washington, D.C.

    By • May 1, 2023
  • A restaurant worker uses a tablet for payment operations while restaurant customers mingle in the background.
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    Permission granted by Square
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    Sponsored by Square

    The Future of Restaurants report: Square’s 2023 edition

    The Square Future of Restaurants report will help you understand the top trends, the changing landscape and expectations, and the tools and strategies that define the next era of the restaurant industry.

    May 1, 2023
  • Papa Johns Cool Ranch Papadia sandwiches in various packaging and contexts.
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    Courtesy of Papa Johns
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    Q&A

    Papa Johns menu strategy chief talks balancing innovation with value

    The pizza chain is targeting younger diners with snackable menu items like handheld desserts and its new Doritos Cool Ranch Papadia, VP of National Calendar and Menu Strategy Kimberly Bean said.

    By • April 28, 2023
  • A Chipotle restaurant branded with the name Freepotle
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    Courtesy of Chipotle Mexican Grill
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    Chipotle’s same-store sales rise 10.9% as traffic turns positive

    In-restaurant sales jumped nearly 23% year over year following efforts to boost operational efficiency, rewards and menu innovation. 

    By • April 26, 2023
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    Permission granted by Square
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    Sponsored by Square

    How this brewery-gastropub saves 6 hours a week with integrated payroll

    Learn how a brewing company used Square to grow their business, boost revenue and generate higher numbers of repeat customers.

    April 24, 2023
  • An image of a hand scanning a QR code in a restaurant.
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    LeoPatrizi via Getty Images
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    Study: 47% of consumers not comfortable using QR codes in restaurants

    Despite more QR codes to view menus, order and pay, 65% of consumers aged 60-plus are uncomfortable using the tech, per a William Blair survey.

    By • April 19, 2023
  • A laptop with a picture of a nachos and guacamole dish is right next to a Square mobile device processing a smartphone. A hand reaches out to the laptop.
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    Permission granted by Square
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    Sponsored by Square

    5 tips for building an omnichannel restaurant strategy

    Restaurants are finding new ways to meet consumers on the channels they’re already using. Here are five tips for building an omnichannel restaurant strategy to more effectively reach and engage with customers.

    April 17, 2023
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     iStock.com/PeopleImages

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    Sponsored by PayiQ

    New study shows diners want personalized loyalty offers

    Restaurants are making a serious investment to try and meet these consumer needs, allocating an average of 10% of their company’s total budget towards installing and operating their loyalty program.

    April 3, 2023
  • Ordering takeout and delivery convenience food from an online Asian restaurant delivery meal from a smart phone.
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    YinYang via Getty Images
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    QSRs expect 51% of tasks will be automated by 2025

    Operators said they will invest more in technology to support digital order fulfillment, operational efficiency in the kitchen and faster checkout times, per an Incisiv report. 

    By • March 29, 2023
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    other via Getty Images
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    Sponsored by FedEx Office

    A feast for their eyes: Upgrading your restaurant’s graphics to engage diners

    A restaurant renaissance is underway, with restaurant operators eager to attract patrons through the door to enjoy a meal.

    March 27, 2023
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    Drew Angerer / Staff via Getty Images
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    Survey: 66% of franchisees feel optimistic about business

    Changing consumer preferences may push franchisees to invest in store remodels and digital ordering and delivery systems, TD Bank found in a survey.

    By • March 21, 2023
  • An image of a bowl of salad being served right next to a plate of tacos.
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    Permission granted by Square
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    Sponsored by Square

    The Future of Restaurants report: Square’s 2023 edition

    The Square Future of Restaurants report will help you understand the top trends, the changing landscape and expectations, and the tools and strategies that define the next era of the restaurant industry.

    March 20, 2023