8 Trends for the Restaurant Industry in 2025
Remember when online ordering was a novelty? Now, it's practically a necessity! The restaurant industry is in constant flux, and 2025 is proving to be a year of significant transformation. Inside The Training Table community, we're not just observing these changes; we're actively shaping them. As we navigate this exciting evolution, several key trends have emerged that are redefining how we work, dine, and envision the future of hospitality.
Let's dive into eight trends sparking conversations and poised to reshape the restaurant landscape:
1. Prioritizing Mental Well-being:
The industry is finally recognizing the importance of mental health. It's no secret that restaurant work can be incredibly demanding. In fact, 75% of restaurant workers reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression in the past year, according to Mental Health America. Forward-thinking restaurants are fostering supportive cultures, prioritizing work-life balance, and providing resources to address burnout.
Examples:
Crafted Hospitality: This group implemented a comprehensive mental health program that includes access to therapy and stress management workshops.
Independent Restaurants: Many are offering more flexible scheduling, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and even in-house mindfulness sessions.
Inside of the Training Table Skool community, we have many free resources available specifically for restaurant workers- check it out by signing up!
2. Embracing Holistic Sustainability:
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it's a core value. 7 in 10 consumers are more likely to choose a restaurant with sustainable practices, according to the National Restaurant Association. Restaurants are going beyond farm-to-table, implementing comprehensive strategies that encompass waste reduction, energy efficiency, and ethical sourcing.
Examples:
Silo in London: This zero-waste restaurant has eliminated all waste by composting food scraps and using reusable packaging.
Many Restaurants: Are partnering with local farms, reducing single-use plastics, and implementing composting programs.
3. Finding the Human-Technology Balance:
While technology is transforming the industry, the human touch remains vital. 80% of diners still prefer face-to-face interactions, according to Hospitality Technology. Restaurants are finding creative ways to integrate technology—like tabletop tablets for ordering and online reservation systems—without sacrificing genuine hospitality.
Examples:
Restaurants using QR code menus: This allows for contactless ordering while still providing personalized service.
Fine dining establishments: Many are using technology to enhance the guest experience, such as providing virtual tours of their wine cellars or offering interactive digital menus with detailed information about ingredients and sourcing.
4. Cultivating Inclusivity and Accessibility:
Restaurants are becoming more inclusive and accessible, welcoming guests from all backgrounds and abilities. This includes diverse hiring practices, accommodating dietary restrictions, and creating welcoming spaces. Businesses that embrace disability inclusion have 28% higher revenue and double the net income, according to Disability:IN.
Examples:
The Purple Pig in Chicago: This restaurant offers braille menus and staff training on sensory sensitivities.
Restaurants across the country: Are implementing gender-neutral restrooms, offering menus in multiple languages, and providing training to staff on how to interact with guests with disabilities.
5. Reimagining Fine Dining:
Fine dining is evolving. 64% of diners are looking for more casual fine dining experiences, according to Fine Dining Lovers. Restaurants are embracing innovation while maintaining culinary excellence.
Examples:
Noma in Copenhagen: This renowned restaurant has shifted towards a more seasonal and accessible approach, offering shorter and more affordable menus.
Many Michelin-starred restaurants: Are relaxing dress codes, incorporating more casual elements into their décor, and offering tasting menus with smaller portions.
6. Investing in a Resilient Workforce:
Building a resilient workforce is crucial, especially given that the restaurant industry has a 73% turnover rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Restaurants are prioritizing employee training, offering competitive benefits, and fostering a culture of stability.
Examples:
Union Square Hospitality Group: Known for its high employee retention rates, this group invests heavily in employee development programs and benefits packages.
Restaurants offering profit-sharing: This incentivizes employees and fosters a sense of ownership.
7. Exploring Fair Compensation Models:
The industry is exploring alternative compensation models that ensure equitable wages. Tipped workers are more than twice as likely to live in poverty compared to non-tipped workers, according to the Economic Policy Institute.
Examples:
Dirt Candy in New York City: This restaurant has eliminated tipping and implemented a no-tipping policy with higher menu prices.
Some restaurants: Are adopting a service charge model, where a percentage is added to the bill and distributed among the staff.
8. Harnessing the Power of Storytelling:
Restaurants are recognizing the power of storytelling to connect with customers. Consumers are willing to pay more for products with a compelling story, according to the Journal of Consumer Research. By sharing the stories behind their dishes and ingredients, restaurants create more meaningful experiences.
Examples:
Sweetgreen: This salad chain uses its website and social media to tell the stories of its farmers and suppliers.
Restaurants featuring "meet the maker" events: These events allow diners to connect with the people behind the food and learn about their passion and craft.
Join the Movement:
At The Training Table, we're excited to be part of this evolving landscape. We're not just witnessing these trends; we're actively discussing them, learning from them, and shaping them within our community. We believe that by staying informed, embracing innovation, and supporting one another, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving restaurant industry for everyone.
Ready to be part of the change? Join The Training Table today! Visit our website at [your website address] to sign up and gain access to exclusive resources, industry insights, and a supportive community of like-minded professionals.
Whether you're a seasoned chef, an aspiring manager, or a passionate newcomer, your voice matters. Let's work together to build a brighter future for the restaurant industry!
I would like to build out the text more for the blog- maybe you can find an example of a brand doing each trend? That would make some nice link backs.
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