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Top Foodservice-trends in 2024

The foodservice industry has experienced several ups and downs over the past year, and we expect 2024 to usher in extensive innovation to adapt to the changing environment. With the advent of smart kitchen appliances, artificial intelligence and other technological developments, restaurants will encounter new boundaries in their approach to effectively reaching and serving customers. Additionally, consumer awareness and economic conditions present unique challenges for businesses in the coming year. Check out our predictions for the foodservice trends we expect to see in the new year. Labor Trends Marketing Trends Technology Trends Service Trends Restaurant Labor Trends As workers continue to push for more benefits and workforce shortages remain severe, restaurants are finding new ways to efficiently serve customers and care for their employees. Technological advances will provide owners with tools to ease the burden on their staff, but high costs still prevent restaurants and staff from finding affordable solutions to avoid burnout. In 2024, many of the following employment trends will be influenced by tumultuous economic conditions as industries adapt to this new era.

Robot Staffing and Service Automation In 2024, your best busboy might be a robot. Several franchises across the country have begun experimenting with using robots to perform small tasks that take up valuable time. From mobile bots that serve tables to stationary kiosks for ordering, automation fills the gaps left by staff shortages and allows employees to focus on other important tasks. Before switching to more bot workers, make sure your company can handle the daily maintenance of this equipment, such as charging. Additionally, research your customer base to ensure they would respond positively to potential FOH automation when ordering or providing service.

The Rise of Gen Z The Zoomers are entering the foodservice industry and will continue to grow in relevance in 2024. Gen Z has grown up with the internet, smartphones and ever-advancing technology, so they are very open to technological innovation in their workplace. This new generation wants to work in a job they will enjoy, with exciting benefits, a friendly culture and a strong emphasis on social responsibility. Attracting Generation Z to join your workforce requires good wages and benefits, strong ethics and social responsibility, inclusivity and flexibility. Implementing these incentives will yield long-term benefits, rewarding you with a hard-working, creative staff that is eager to learn and grow in the year ahead.

Increased tip requests and fatigue More and more businesses are asking their customers to tip their staff, even businesses that have never asked for tips before. This move has led to tip fatigue among food service workers, who rely on tips as their primary source of income. In the coming year, we expect rising peak fatigue to drive restaurants to find innovative ways to balance this movement. An increase in automatic tips ensures that waiters receive appropriate compensation.

Worker Activism Over the past year, worker activism reached new heights in several industries, including several nationwide strikes that lasted several months. With this precedent and the formation of unions for several major chains, we expect that foodservice workers will take steps toward unionization as the norm. As an employer, this trend could slow or eliminate your company's services, so budget accordingly. In addition, you should inform yourself about labor laws, unions and employee rights so that you can appropriately deal with situations that arise. Restaurant Marketing Trends With the advent of revolutionary technology, marketing techniques are evolving to meet potential customers wherever they are. In the coming year, we expect advertising and promotions to become even more accessible to consumers through location-based offers, QR codes and voice search targeting. In addition, experiential dining and eatertainment will entice customers to eat out instead of at home.

Location-Based Marketing In an age of constant advertising bombardment, location-based marketing and proximity marketing will be the main ways restaurants capture their customers' attention. A smartphone is an important part of the modern consumer, and location-based marketing allows you to use that smartphone to distribute content, promotions and services directly to nearby customers. Using GPS coordinates, you can send push notifications with coupons and promotions to potential customers when they enter a predefined geolocation. This trend allows you to attract impulse purchases, especially in busy places with many options.

“Eatertainment” As takeout and at-home dining become more popular, restaurants must find new ways to attract customers to their establishments. Experiential dining, or "eatetainment," offers fun activities and delicious food to make a night out more appealing. With options ranging from live music to ax throwing to indoor sports, 2024 will usher in a wave of fun experiences to enjoy alongside a great meal. Find a unique activity that fits well with your available space and menu options to create an enjoyable experience that attracts new customers looking for more than just good food.

QR Codes in Advertising QR codes are a recent trend in restaurants as a way to download an app or access the menu. However, we predict that foodservice companies will expand the use of QR codes for advertising in other forms of media. While print marketing is less relevant than in years past, restaurants can display QR codes on billboards and flyers offering special rewards and promotions. In other industries, companies are adding QR codes to TV, web and mobile ads so customers can visit their website or download their app. QR codes will grow in popularity as more restaurants create websites and apps.

Voice Search The rise of smart home and car devices such as Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Home opens up a new search opportunity for potential customers. By 2024, restaurants that use SEO techniques to target these voice searches will see increased traffic and success online. We recommend optimizing your site around keywords used in voice search, such as a specific location, menu item, delivery option, or the ever-popular "near me." By responding to this trend you can tap into new markets and increase the visibility of your restaurant. Technology Trends It's clear that technology will continue to play a major role in reshaping the restaurant industry in 2024. Not only is A.I. poised to make major changes to the industrial landscape, but other technologies such as virtual reality and contactless payment are adding unique and convenient elements for customers to enjoy. From streamlining operations to creating immersive customer experiences, here are some exciting technology trends that will make waves in the coming year.AI in Restaurants The use of artificial intelligence is rapidly increasing in a number of industries, and the restaurant industry is no different. Restaurant A.I. technology can be used to automate various tasks such as taking orders, managing inventory, and analyzing customer data to tailor recommendations. By using A.I. By 2024, restaurants will be able to streamline their operations, reduce costs and provide their customers with faster and more accurate service.

In-House Delivery Apps While third-party delivery services have been popular in recent years, they have some drawbacks that restaurants face. These apps can incur high commission fees and potentially lose control over the customer experience. To address these issues, many restaurants are expected to explore the possibility of developing in-house delivery apps by 2024. By investing in their delivery infrastructure, restaurants can maintain direct relationships with their customers, ensure timely and efficient deliveries, and even offer exclusive promotions. tailored to their loyal customers.

Contactless payments The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of contactless payment methods, and this trend is likely to continue into 2024 and beyond. Contactless payment options, such as mobile wallets and QR codes, allow customers to pay for their meals without physically touching cash or credit cards. This not only ensures an easy and efficient payment experience, but also increases security by minimizing physical contact between customers and staff.

Immersive Technology Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) immersive technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way customers interact with restaurants. By creating immersive experiences, restaurants can engage customers on a whole new level, enticing them to visit, try new dishes and share their experiences with others. It is expected that by 2024, these technologies will be used by some restaurants to offer virtual tours, farm-to-table tours and digital interactive menus to enhance the customer experience. Service Trends In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of food service, staying ahead of the curve is critical to success. As we look ahead to 2024, it is important to consider the new trends that will shape the restaurant industry's service landscape. From trendy pop-up restaurants to unique and extensive children's menus, here are some key service trends to watch in 2024.

Pop-up restaurants Pop-up restaurants have gained popularity in recent years. This trend is expected to continue in 2024. These companies often take advantage of underutilized spaces, such as empty storefronts or rooftops, allowing chefs to showcase their culinary skills in non-traditional locations. For customers, pop-up restaurants offer a sense of exclusivity and the chance to try something new and different. Pop-up restaurants are ideal for hosting special events while they are open and attract a wide variety of different customers. They can also serve as a soft opening, allowing entrepreneurs to test restaurant concepts in a lower-risk environment.

Sophisticated children's menus Gone are the days of uninspiring chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese as the only options for young diners. Recognizing the importance of catering to the evolving tastes of children and their parents, restaurants are adding exciting new dishes to their children's menus. In 2024, expect to see more restaurants offering long-lasting and health-conscious options for kids, like grilled fish tacos or veggie-packed pasta dishes. By offering nutritious and tasty meals for children, restaurants can attract families who prioritize healthy diets and quality dining experiences for their little ones.

Changed opening hours With changing consumer habits and demands, many companies are reviewing their opening hours to better meet their target group. It's predicted that by 2024, more restaurants will experiment with ideas like longer breakfast hours, late-night menus or even a weekend-only brunch service. By offering flexible hours, restaurants can tap into new customer segments and provide convenience to guests who have busy weekdays or unconventional dining habits. On the other hand, the staff shortage is expected to leave some restaurants short-staffed, further changing opening hours and leaving these restaurants open only during the busiest parts of the day.

Sustainability By 2024, more restaurants will prioritize sustainability trends, such as sourcing ingredients from regenerative farms and suppliers. Regenerative agriculture focuses on restoring soil health and biodiversity while helping to sequester carbon and reduce the environmental impacts of food production. Other sustainability trends such as eco-friendly packaging, energy efficiency, sustainable seafood and plant-based food menus are expected to remain relevant in the coming year. As we move toward 2024, restaurant owners and operators are increasingly recognizing the importance of incorporating sustainable practices into their operations and serving eco-friendly consumer groups. How do restaurant trends benefit your business? Being aware of the foodservice trends impacting your business is one of the best ways to meet the needs of your customer base and stay competitive with the restaurants in your area. By observing how other eateries are evolving to meet current challenges, you may be able to find solutions that work for you. Check out restaurant industry statistics to get a complete picture of the current state of the foodservice industry.