The restaurant industry continues to change. New technologies, customer habits, and higher labor costs are forcing restaurant operators to adapt.

What worked three years ago won’t cut it in 2025. To stay relevant, you need to pay attention to new trends shaping how people eat, order, and interact with brands.

In this article, you’ll learn which restaurant industry trends matter in 2025, what they mean for operations and menus, and how to apply them in ways that drive customer satisfaction and long-term growth.

1. Use AI and Automation to Streamline Operations

More restaurants are investing in artificial intelligence and automation to manage labor costs, reduce errors, and improve operational efficiency. According to a restaurant industry report, nearly 51% of restaurant operators plan to increase spending on automation tools in 2025.

AI-powered scheduling tools now use sales history and external factors like weather or events to assign shifts. Smart kitchen equipment speeds up prep and cuts food waste.

Chatbots can also handle routine questions about hours, menu offerings, or online reservations, giving staff more time to focus on service.

Other Ways Restaurants are Using Automation

In addition to scheduling and prep, automation is making a difference in other parts of the business. Here are some examples of how restaurants are using automation to stay competitive:

• Voice-powered drive-thrus - AI systems take orders at drive-thrus to speed up service and improve accuracy.
• Contactless payment options - Tap-to-pay stations and mobile checkout reduce wait times and improve customer flow.
• Performance alerts - Managers get real-time updates on order delays, long wait times, or missed upsells.

2. Expand Self-Service Options with Online Ordering and Service Kiosks

Online ordering and kiosks have become standard tools in quick-service and fast-casual restaurants.

According to multiple restaurant industry reports, digital orders now make up a large share of total transactions, especially during peak hours. In high-volume settings, kiosks can reduce wait times by up to 40% and help increase order accuracy.

These systems also increase average check size. When customers order through kiosks or your restaurant website, they’re more likely to select add-ons or premium items because they don’t feel rushed.

Self-service tools also collect data that helps you track what’s selling and when. That insight supports smarter menu changes, better staffing, and more accurate inventory planning.

Adding service kiosks and online ordering reduces labor strain, improves customer satisfaction, and supports long-term cost savings.

3. Solve Labor Shortages with Smarter Staffing and Scheduling Tools

Labor depletion remains one of the biggest challenges in the restaurant industry. According to the National Restaurant Association’s key findings, 62% of restaurant operators say they don’t have enough workers to meet demand.

To manage this, many restaurants are turning to smart scheduling tools. These platforms use past sales data, weather patterns, and event calendars to forecast staffing needs.

You can then build schedules that match expected traffic, avoid overstaffing, and cut unnecessary labor costs.

Some systems also let staff swap shifts or request time off directly through an app. It gives employees more control and reduces the time managers spend juggling requests.

Tools like these make it easier to attract and retain staff while improving day-to-day operations. By using the right staffing software, you ensure consistency in your service even when you’re short-staffed.

How Scheduling Tech Helps Restaurants Operate Better

Modern staffing platforms offer more than just calendars and time slots. Here are a few ways they support operations:

• Labor cost tracking - Monitor projected vs. actual labor costs in real time.
• Compliance alerts - Get notified if schedules risk violating labor laws or breaking rules.
• Role-based templates - Create default shift plans for each position to save time every week.
• Mobile-first setup - Staff can view schedules, request changes, and clock in from their phones.
• Team performance data - Track lateness, early clock-outs, and shift coverage patterns.

4. Align with Customer Preferences and Evolving Dining Habits

Diners want more control over how and where they eat.

According to research, 40% of consumers now prefer to order from their phones, customize their meals, and avoid unnecessary wait times. These behaviors are especially common in fast-casual and quick-service restaurants.

A recent National Restaurant Association’s report found that over 65% of Gen Z and 74% of millennial customers prioritize restaurants with digital ordering, flexible pickup options, and clear ingredient transparency.

Restaurants that pay attention to these shifts are better positioned to build long-term loyalty. Even small changes, like offering contactless pickup or allowing easy reorders, can influence repeat business.

Understanding how guests interact with your brand, online and in person, helps improve customer satisfaction and long-term growth.

What Customers Expect

Today’s guests bring clear expectations to the table. Restaurants that meet these needs will gain an edge:

• Easy order customization - Diners want full control over ingredients, sides, and preparation.
• Transparent menu labeling - More customers look for allergen details and nutritional info before ordering.
• Fast mobile access - Menus, hours, and ordering should be available in just a few taps.
• Pickup timing updates - Real-time order status gives guests confidence and reduces frustration.

5. Update Menu Offerings with Bold Flavors and Limited-Time Offers

Customers get tired of seeing the same items every time they order.

Many restaurants are refreshing their menus more often to keep customers engaged and boost sales. According to Datassential, 72% of consumers say they enjoy trying new items. 

Rotating items also gives you a chance to test new menus without committing long-term. If a dish performs well, it can become a permanent item.

If not, it’s retired without major impact. This approach reduces waste, keeps food costs in check, and gives customers something new to look forward to.

Limited-time deals further create urgency. When people know an item won’t be around for long, they’re more likely to try it. It boosts sales and brings in guests who may not have visited otherwise.

Keeping your menu fresh doesn’t mean starting over. Small changes based on the latest trends and sales data can make a big difference to the customer dining experience.

Creative Menu Ideas Restaurants Are Using

Here are a few ways restaurants are bringing excitement to their menus in 2025:

• Regional mashups - Mixing popular local ingredients with international styles (like birria ramen or Korean BBQ tacos).
• Seasonal launches - Aligning dishes with seasons or holidays to stay relevant throughout the year.
• Social-driven features - Adding viral or fan-requested items for short runs.
• Chef collabs - Featuring a limited recipe from a local or guest chef.
• Flavor themes - Rotating menu items around trending ingredients like hot honey or yuzu.

6. Prioritize Sustainability and Strengthen Supply Chains

Sustainability affects how you source ingredients, package food, and manage waste.

Customers notice when a brand makes an effort to reduce its impact. In fact, many now factor sustainability into their decision about where to eat.

In a survey, 72% of Gen Z consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products, and 62% of all customers say they prefer brands that actively reduce their environmental impact.

Reducing packaging waste, switching to compostable materials, and cutting energy use are just a few common steps. Others focus on sourcing ingredients locally to reduce transportation costs and carbon output. These efforts often lead to fresher products and better community relationships.

Supply chains also need more attention. Recent years have exposed weak points, from delayed shipments to ingredient shortages.

Restaurant owners who build stronger supplier relationships and keep backup options in place are more prepared when disruptions hit.

Tactics Restaurants Use to Improve Sustainability

Along with packaging and sourcing changes, restaurants are also adopting:

• Waste tracking systems - Digital tools that measure food waste and help adjust prep or ordering.
• Energy-efficient appliances - Upgrades that cut utility bills and environmental impact.
• Water-saving systems - Equipment that reduces water use in dishwashing or restrooms.
• Reusable serviceware - In-house dining now leans toward durable cups and containers over disposables.
• Supplier audits - Reviewing vendor practices to align with sustainability goals.

7. Manage Rising Costs with Strategic Pricing and Inventory Management

Rising costs continue to impact the restaurant industry across labor, packaging, and food supplies. The cost of food away from home rose 7.1% year-over-year in 2023, while labor costs in the hospitality sector climbed over 5%.

To stay profitable, restaurants are turning to dynamic pricing and smarter inventory control. Dynamic pricing means adjusting menu prices based on time of day, traffic, or portion sizes.

It helps protect margins without surprising regulars. Some operators also bundle items to add value without raising base prices.

Inventory management systems help reduce spoilage and prevent over-ordering. By aligning inventory with sales patterns, restaurants gain more control over costs and waste. These tools also give real-time visibility into what’s moving and what isn’t, leading to better decisions week to week.

8. Support Dietary Preferences with Health-Conscious Menu Choices

Customers now expect restaurants to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences. Around 82% of diners globally aren’t satisfied with the current restaurant healthy options.

This shift isn’t limited to big cities. Quick-service chains and local restaurants alike are adapting. Offering gluten-free, dairy-free, or plant-based options can expand your audience without needing a full menu overhaul.

Clear labels, fresh ingredients, and customization also improve trust and make it easier for customers to order with confidence.

Smart Tactics to Meet Dietary Needs

Beyond swapping ingredients, restaurants are using these methods to serve diverse diets:

• Build-your-own formats - Guests can control portions, toppings, and base ingredients to suit their needs.
• Visible nutrition info - Calorie counts and macros help health-focused diners make informed choices.
• Ingredient sourcing notes - Menus that list where food comes from help promote transparency.
• Allergen awareness cards - Front-of-house staff can provide clear info for common allergy concerns.
• Dedicated prep areas - Some kitchens now separate tools and space for allergen-free meal prep.

9. Improve Customer Satisfaction with Loyalty Programs and Mobile Apps

Loyalty programs and mobile apps are essential for building repeat business. Customers want rewards that feel personal, not just a punch card or a generic discount. Mobile apps make it easier to track visits, send deals, and stay connected without extra effort from staff.

A strong loyalty reward does more than hand out points. It can offer birthday rewards, early access to limited items, or instant discounts after a certain number of visits. These features keep guests engaged and give them a reason to return.

Mobile apps also make the ordering process easier. Customers can place orders, save favorites, and get updates on wait times or pickup.

Together, mobile apps and loyalty rewards increase sales, improve customer experience, and reduce the need for constant promotions.

Features That Make Loyalty Programs More Effective

Modern restaurant apps offer more than points. Here are tools that improve results:

• Push notifications - Instantly share promos, event invites, or flash discounts with your best customers.
• Order history integration - Suggest rewards or upsells based on a guest’s actual habits.
• Geo-targeted offers - Send location-based deals when customers are nearby.
• Referral bonuses - Encourage loyal users to invite friends in exchange for rewards.
• In-app surveys - Collect feedback to improve customer satisfaction and personalize future offers.

10. Apply Data Analytics to Forecast Demand

By looking at sales history, weather trends, and local events, you can predict demand more accurately. This kind of insight supports better staffing, tighter inventory control, and more efficient prep.

For example, if Fridays typically bring a spike in delivery orders, you should schedule more drivers and prep ingredients in advance. If rain usually lowers foot traffic, adjust staff levels or shift marketing toward online orders.

Besides that, it spots slow-moving items and finds top sellers. That makes it easier to update menu offerings without guessing.

Over time, you reduce overordering, lower costs, and meet customer demand more consistently.

Deliver What Diners Expect in 2025 With Buildify

Buildify helps you act on today’s key trends without overspending or waiting months for results. For $399 per month, you get a full-featured mobile app and website.

Here’s how it supports the trends:

• Online ordering - Give customers a mobile-friendly way to order without relying on third-party apps.
• Loyalty and rewards programs - Keep guests coming back with digital perks, just like the big chains.
• Push notifications - Promote limited-time deals, new menus, and exclusive deals instantly.
• Coupons and local deals - Attract more guests with special discounts tied to your community.

You don’t need a big budget to apply what works. Buildify gives you the tools to respond to change, improve operations, and grow with less risk. Book a meeting today!

FAQs About Restaurant Industry Trends

What is the current status of the restaurant industry?

The restaurant industry is recovering but still dealing with labor deficits, rising costs, and shifting customer expectations. Restaurants are adapting by using technology and adjusting service models.

What are the mega trends in the food industry?

Mega trends in the food industry include sustainability, plant-based eating, personalized nutrition, automation, and digital ordering.

Why is the restaurant industry struggling?

The industry is struggling due to high labor costs, supply chain issues, inflation, and changing consumer habits that demand flexible service.

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