Evolution is inevitable in most industries, but within the restaurant sector, trends can make or break an establishment. If you are intent on opening a restaurant this year or simply looking to find the trendiest spot on the map, here are restaurant trends for 2022 you will want to keep in mind.
Table of Contents
Opening Fewer Days
Many years ago, restaurants were generally closed at least 2 days each week. Sundays and Mondays were among the most popular days for establishments to be closed. However, over the past decade we have seen establishments move to a 7 day a week business model to maximize the potential for increasing clientele. That trend is even beginning to die as society is still reeling from the ongoing effects of COVID-19.
The reason why restaurants are opening fewer days each week is contingent upon staff concerns and overall burnout of employees. By closing on days where the restaurant is less popular allows the staff to rest and the business to reduce its overall energy consumption. Restaurant owners have had to reconsider how much they open their doors and many are choosing to move to a 4 day work week for the health and wellbeing of both their staff and the business.
Shrunken Menus
Unfortunately, the increasing cost of food has caused some restaurants to increase prices to content with market changes. These days, it can be quite shocking to go out to a restaurant only to be presented with an astronomically high bill. Customer complaints aside, these establishments must pay for food, staff, and maintain regular utility and rental agreements, so naturally, as the price of these items rises, so does menu prices.
To contend with the ongoing increase of food prices, many establishments have resorted to shrinking the size of their menu. Recently, a variety of foods have become scarce due to supply chain issues and due to supply and demand, the price of these items, when they are available is insanely expensive. Therefore, restaurants that reduce the size of their menu and eliminate these high-priced foods can fare better during this expensive time. Restaurants throughout the country are reformatting their menu choices to prioritize inexpensive ingredients.
The Age of Food Trucks
Food trucks have been a part of the restaurant industry for many years. However, they were once thought of as merely a novelty. Today, even some of the largest and well known establishments are investing in food trucks. Their reasons may vary, but more often than not, it comes down to the need to diversify the restaurant and contend with the growing costs of having a standard brick and mortar business.
Whether an owner chooses to rent a space or own their building, the rising costs of both have unfortunately caused an end to many businesses. Owners that have stood the test of time have resorted to food trucks to diversify their business model. Food trucks can be set up practically anywhere and at anytime giving the business physical legs into the community. The use of food trucks has allowed many businesses to remain open even during the dark times we have endured within the past few years.
The Utilization of Local Ingredients
The food supply chain is currently broken and therefore, restaurants everywhere are working to adapt where they can. These days we see more establishments partnering with local farms and meat production facilities. Restaurants are learning that it is their local providers that will be there for them when supply chains are disrupted and many are sticking to these local providers even when they can get cheaper prices from large scale retailers. This trend allows the community to better support each other and bring people together. Even though many restaurant trends cause concern, this one is a light in the darkness.
Food Delivery
Food delivery services have been a traditional part of certain sectors of the food industry, but in 2022, it seems as though everyone is investing in delivery options. Whether it is utilizing their own personal delivery staff or using one of the many food delivery apps on the market, restaurants of all types are offering delivery options. It is now possible to have everything from a porterhouse steak to a milkshake delivered to your home without ever setting foot outside your door.
The Return of High End Dining
High end dining has been on hiatus for many years and even before COVID-19 changed the restaurant industry, the trend was dying. However, in our new world, high end dining is making a comeback. Diners want to have a full dining experience when they go out for the evening and reservations to some of the swankiest restaurants in the world are filling up.
Alcohol Free Cocktails
The age of excessive drinking has begun to lessen in resent years. Diners have come to realize that alcohol is not always the best option for a night out on the town. More people are choosing to go sober for their health and restaurants are adapting to this trend beautifully. No longer are sober guests simply given a Shirly Temple and sent on their way. Bartenders are investing time and energy into reimagining alcohol free drinks to accommodate the masses. Guests who have struggled with alcohol no longer have to feel ashamed by ordering a non-alcoholic drink. Everyone can be included in this trend and that is what makes it so impressive.
The restaurant industry is evolutionary. It changes with trends, times, and is very adaptive to what patrons desire. Inventive chefs and restaurant owners will always find a way no matter what world events shake the industry. We can be encouraged and thankful for these pioneers for their ability to bring out the best in food for everyone. 2022 has proven to be a time of healing for the restaurant industry and a resurgence in dining experiences is very encouraging to both new and seasoned restauranteurs. The future may be a bit cloudy when it comes to the restaurant industry, but make no mistake about it, no matter what the future holds, we will adapt and thrive.
