Service Trends that will shape the Restaurant Industry in 2022

Like many industries, the onset of the pandemic changed the future of restaurants. According to the National Restaurant Association, more than 110,000 eating and drinking establishments in the US closed for business, either temporarily or permanently. Since lockdowns and other restrictions were linked to unprecedented labor and supply chain pressures, restaurants have to evolve with the latest industry trends to stay in tune with the times. With most US restaurants already adopting new technology and methods to improve operations, expect a lot of change to accommodate the realities of a digital-first world.

We compiled a list of the emerging restaurant trends in 2022. Read on to find some of the biggest trends in the restaurant business.

Emerging restaurant trends in 2022

Sanitation and hygiene take center stage

A survey conducted by OpenTable found that 72% of customers believe strict cleaning policies are extremely important in restaurants. Given the spread of COVID-19, sanitation and safety have become imperative for guests. With that in mind, the National Restaurant Association released safety guidelines for restaurant re-openings, with sanitation as the focal point. Per the guidelines, food businesses should thoroughly sanitize kitchen workstations, seats and tables, restrooms, and other fixtures to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19.

Adoption of smart, labor-saving technology

Finding and retaining employees has always been a challenge for restaurant owners. The pandemic made it worse, as many people are unwilling or unable to work in close proximity to others. To navigate this challenge, many restaurants are watching industry trends and investing in smart labor-saving technology.

Some of these technologies include self-service kiosks, table management systems, mobile ordering apps, and voice assistants that automate drive-in and drive-thru orders. By adopting them, restaurants find it easier to allocate responsibilities to staff and automate customer payments. These tools also help food businesses reduce labor costs and build an efficient working environment.

Shorter and simplified menus

Menu variety plays a substantial role in the dining experience. A huge menu spanning multiple cuisines is one attempt many restaurants make, rather than focusing on doing a few things well. But with changing trends, most businesses now understand the challenges that never-ending menus bring, and the concept is gradually coming to an end.

With long menus, food quality tends to drop, and that directly affects a restaurant's profitability. So restaurants today are trimming the menu, which gives chefs the chance to prepare quality food with greater proficiency. It also helps restaurants streamline inventory management, slim down food costs, and reduce food waste.

Addition of plant-based options to menus

A growing share of US consumers now follow a meat-free diet. Environmental concerns, animal welfare, and moral values drive the popularity of plant-based products, and many people see such items as a healthier option. As more people turn vegan, failing to provide plant-based options can mean losing customers and business opportunities. This is already one of the emerging restaurant trends of 2022, and many businesses have added vegan and vegetarian options to their menus. Leading fast-food chains like Burger King and McDonald's have started offering vegan options to their customers.

Contactless ordering and payments

The pandemic introduced the restaurant industry to a new normal of ordering food and making payments. Most restaurants now give guests the option to scan a QR code to access menus, place an order, and pay online. Many have also developed their own mobile wallet apps for contactless payments. These tools help food businesses reduce operational costs, deliver a smooth customer experience, increase employee tips, and reduce errors.

Automation of certain kitchen processes

Alongside contactless ordering and payments, restaurants are bringing automation into the kitchen to ensure a consistent experience for guests. As technology advances, food businesses are investing in digital tools to automate back-of-house tasks such as dishwashing. Equipping kitchens with robots that combine liquids or prepare coffee helps restaurants maintain a standard of taste and quality across all branches. A robot that measures ingredients accurately, or one with arms that flips burgers, also lets restaurants reduce labor size.

Implementation of ways to boost customer engagement

As the restaurant industry grows at a rapid pace, retaining customers has become critical for owners. To keep customers coming back throughout the year, many restaurants are rethinking their business strategies. Some of these include subscriptions, memberships, meal and cocktail kits, and virtual tastings.

Loyalty programs in restaurants have been around for years, but the approaches have grown more sophisticated over time. Owners have developed inventive ways to understand customer needs and meet their expectations to increase satisfaction. Many have also tied up with food delivery apps to gain share in a competitive market. Rising demand for home delivery has enabled restaurants, including five-star establishments, to offer delivery and give customers a memorable experience at home. As a result, restaurant businesses can grow their sales and profits.

Keep your food service business in line with restaurant trends in 2022

Aiming to recover from the slowdown and losses of 2020 and 2021, restaurateurs have re-examined every aspect of their business and revamped their operations. If you are a restaurateur responding slowly to changing industry trends, it is time to pick up the pace to survive in an ever-evolving social and economic landscape.

Staying abreast of the latest trends is critical to give your guests an exceptional dining experience, attract new customers, and succeed in challenging times. We hope this guide helps you take quick and decisive action to give your food service business a competitive edge.