As 2024 draws to a close, restaurant operators like you are planning for the coming year. In particular, it’s important to look at emerging restaurant industry trends—these patterns can offer a hint about the changes on the horizon. When you know what to expect, it’s easier to prepare your restaurant accordingly. 

What does 2025 have in store for your establishment? Let’s take a closer look at the restaurant industry trends that will shape restaurant technology, menu design, and the dining experience over the next 12 months.

Keeping your finger on the pulse of the restaurant industry

Technology and innovation are transforming markets across the globe, and the restaurant industry is no exception. The dining landscape changes rapidly, which means your restaurant must adapt to stay competitive. After all, trends tend to shape customer expectations; fulfilling diners’ needs can lead to higher revenue, increased loyalty, and improved profit margins.

By staying informed about the latest food and restaurant trends—and determining the right time to get on board—you can position your restaurant business for long-term success.

6 restaurant industry trends

The food service industry has seen numerous changes in recent years. In 2025, the most important restaurant trends will be driven by new technology and changing customer behaviors.

1. Automation and AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking up industries everywhere. In the restaurant sector, AI-powered tools promise to bring increased efficiency on the back end of operations.

Take inventory management software, for example. Programs with AI can analyze past sales data, recent order volume, and product information such as shelf life. Then, they can forecast sales and build a suggested ordering schedule that reduces overstock and cuts back on waste.

AI and machine learning are also powering restaurant automation tools that can streamline order processing and other manual tasks. If you’re struggling to keep up with customer service demands, AI may be able to help. AI-powered chatbots respond to customers in real time, providing answers to frequently asked questions. With the right tools, you can also use AI to help diners book reservations or provide individually tailored menu recommendations. It’s an efficient way to provide a convenient and personalized customer experience, all while reducing your restaurant’s labor costs.

2. Sustainability

Sustainability is an increasingly important factor in consumers’ purchasing decisions; in fact, 80% are willing to pay higher prices for goods that are sustainably produced. As a restaurant owner, you can cater to diners’ interest in environmentally friendly foods by implementing a few key sustainability tips:

• Order from local farms and suppliers. Food from local suppliers doesn’t have to travel as far to reach your restaurant, which reduces carbon emissions and increases food quality. Buying from nearby farms and vendors is also a great way to support the local economy.
• Reduce food waste. Cutting back on food waste is an effective way to build a more sustainable restaurant. By upgrading your inventory management practices and implementing a first-in, first-out (FAFO) storage system, you can reduce spoilage and save money. According to the National Restaurant Association, every dollar you invest in cutting food waste creates $8 in savings.
• Choose biodegradable packaging. Make a big, visible step toward sustainability by switching to biodegradable takeout containers. Made from materials that break down naturally, these products help reduce the amount of plastic and styrofoam that enters landfills.

3. Upgraded dining experience

Consumers have more dining options than ever, and to stay competitive, restaurant operators are focused on creating an improved customer experience. In doing so, they hope to build stronger relationships that lead to repeat business.

If your restaurant is ready to build a better dining experience, try these strategies:

• Upgraded interiors. The interior of your restaurant has a big impact on the customer experience. Consider upgrading your seating, interior design, or music selections to create a more inviting atmosphere. You might bring in a DJ to spice up Sunday brunch, for example, or set a date-night vibe with a romantic playlist.
• Themed events. Host events such as cooking classes, open kitchens, and theme evenings. When customers have the opportunity to engage personally with your restaurant and its employees, it can create an intimate connection and give you a distinct competitive advantage.
• Experiential dining. Take a regular meal to the next level with events that add an extra level of education or information. For example, you might host a chef’s table with your kitchen crew or ask your sommelier to host a wine-pairing dinner. These interactive events tend to attract foodies, so they’re the perfect time for your employees to show off their most impressive culinary skills.

4. Plant-based menu options

Vegetarian and vegan diets are on the rise in the United States. Interest in plant-based foods isn’t limited to people who follow meat-free diets—many people are cutting back on animal products for health and sustainability reasons.

To appeal to this broad customer base, restaurants are expanding their plant-based menu options. There’s no need to change your entire menu; consider adding a few vegetarian entrées or offering plant-based meat substitutes. Another option is to start with a base dish and offer multiple meat and non-meat add-ons for an extra fee.

Want to bring in adventurous diners? Try using trendy ingredients, such as jackfruit and aquafaba, to create exciting new dishes. As a bonus, foods like jackfruit empanadas and vegan aquafaba aioli are a surefire way to attract attention on social media.

5. Health and wellness

Health-conscious dining is increasingly popular as more Americans aim to improve their lifestyles. One way to bring in these diners is to offer foods that suit a variety of dietary preferences. At a minimum, it’s a good idea to have a few low-calorie, low-carb, and gluten-free menu items. When your menu offers something for everyone, your restaurant is more likely to become the go-to spot for families and other large groups.

You might already have this type of diversity on your menu—the trick is to communicate it effectively. Consider creating a set of icons to indicate which dishes fit into each category so customers can find suitable options at a glance. Nutrition and allergen data can also help your guests make informed choices.

6. Online ordering

Online ordering is more popular than ever; consumers love the convenience and speed of ordering food from their phones or computers. This service is good for your restaurant, too—the platform handles orders, payment processing, and delivery management. All your employees need to do is prepare and pack fantastic food.

Other online ordering benefits include:

• Easy upselling and personalized recommendations
• Quick menu edits
• Built-in promotions and loyalty tools

Some restaurants are investing in their own online ordering apps, but even more are partnering with third-party delivery service providers such as Grubhub. By going this route, you can avoid development costs and access a flexible delivery service that scales up and down to meet your demand.

Be a leader, not a follower

For restaurant operators, it’s critical to stay up to date on the latest developments. That doesn’t mean you need to participate in every restaurant industry trend—the key is to decide which trends are right for your business. By monitoring each one, you can determine which shifts are permanent and which will have the biggest impact on your bottom line. If you can stay one step ahead of the competition, it’s easier to deliver the in-demand services that keep your restaurant relevant.If you need support, Grubhub can help. In addition to offering a cutting-edge online ordering and delivery platform, we provide tech-driven tools to help you run promotions, build a loyalty program, and market your restaurant. You’ll also get access to useful tips and resources that help you build a thriving operation. Ready to learn more about a partnership with Grubhub? See for yourself by signing up today!