It’s projected that in the coming years, restaurant menus will look very different from the ones we know today. As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, so will menus. With an influx of new restaurants nationwide, staying on top of menu trends is essential to stand out from the competition.
Right from the increase in demand for gluten-free options on menus to using technology-based tools for offering personalized menu options, we have witnessed some exciting changes in the culinary landscape.
Let’s delve further into some of the most recent and upcoming restaurant menu trends.
Global Cuisines and Health-Friendly Options
While the classic favorites will remain as timeless staples on menus like french fries, mac & cheese, and pizza, consumers today are more conscious about where their food comes from; expect to see organic, locally sourced ingredients on their dishes and more. The restaurant owners have responded by creating unique offerings that cater to all types of customers.
The recent data by the Good Food Institute (GFI) reported the sales of plant-based foods grew three times faster than foods overall. More restaurants now provide vegan and vegetarian options to accommodate a broader range of dietary needs. (Thurrott , Everyday Health)
There is a rise in Latin American flavors and dishes with plant-based proteins. Restaurants, in turn, are responding to the demands of modern consumers by diversifying their offerings and creating unique dishes tailored to specific diets.
The growth of food delivery services is also driving the trend toward global cuisine and healthier menus. As more people turn to services like DoorDash and GrubHub, restaurants must adapt their offerings to stay competitive.
Menu Streamlining
Menu streamlining is one of the top menu trends in 2023.
With more and more consumers looking to save time and money, restaurant owners have been cutting back their menus and focusing on a few signature dishes that can satisfy all types of customers. This trend has seen restaurant menus become smaller but more focused, with a greater emphasis on quality over quantity.
This is helping restaurants reduce costs associated with food storage and labor. By focusing on fewer items and offering more plant-based options, restaurants can keep up with changing consumer preferences while differentiating themselves from their competition.
Menu Engineering
Menu engineering continues to be a significant trend in American restaurants. It involves carefully planning and analyzing the items on the menu so that restaurants can maximize their profits while still providing customers with an enjoyable dining experience.
Menu engineering often requires detailed data analysis of customer preferences to determine which dishes are most popular, what prices people are willing to pay for specific food items, and which items are overpriced. The restaurant operators may also consider factors such as ingredient costs and labor intensity when designing the menu.
Restaurants can now take advantage of software tools that analyze customer behavior and provide insights into optimizing their menus for maximum profitability. They can also utilize innovative menus to recommend items based on customer data.
Digital Menu Boards
The use of digital menu boards is also becoming increasingly popular in restaurants. They help streamline ordering processes and reduce contact between customers and staff by allowing customers to make their orders directly from touchscreens or smartphones. It shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Restaurants can adjust their offerings in near real-time and promote specials or discounts to attract more customers. This technology has already revolutionized how restaurants manage their menus, allowing for customization, quick updates, and even advertising depending on the time of day or customer group.
According to Square’s Future of Restaurants, a report on 500 restaurant operators in the US found that digital menu boards are here to stay. 88% of operators consider swapping digital menus for physical menus. (Littman , Restaurant Dive)
Investing in digital menu boards can be a great way to offer customers an engaging dining experience while also cutting costs associated with printing and distributing traditional menus. Business Sound & Communications provides a full range of cost-effective digital signage solutions, including promo boards, Mood TV for QSR, Satellite TV, and video walls.
Are You Ready To Open The Door For New Opportunities
The need for maximizing the profitability and effectiveness of your business, reflected in your menu, is an essential consideration for 2023. Trends like technology-driven ordering systems are also predicted to take shape this year. Customers can easily order online or through mobile apps instead of waiting in line for a table.
Digital menu boards have positively impacted customer experiences, enabling restaurants to offer more personalized services and allowing customers to customize their orders with just a few clicks.
These trends, combined with the continued popularity of programmable menu board technology and health-conscious items, mean that restaurants will be better prepared to meet consumer needs.
Are you ready to give your customers the best experience possible? We can help. Let us assist you in elevating your customer experience by helping you create a new digital menu setup and more. For more info, visit our website or contact us at (281) 590-3400.
Works Cited
Thurrott, Stephanie. “The Top 10 Healthy Food Trends to Expect in 2023.” EverydayHealth.Com, 30 Dec. 2022, www.everydayhealth.com/pictures/top-healthy-food-trends/.
Littman, Julie. “88% of Restaurants Considering Swapping to Digital Menus, Survey Says.” Restaurant Dive, 24 Feb. 2021, www.restaurantdive.com/news/88-of-restaurants-considering-swapping-to-digital-menus-survey-says/595558/.
