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The future of restaurants

Creating dynamic value in the new normal

The consumer industry is undergoing dramatic change that will likely influence the markets, models and mechanics of companies in significant ways over the next decade. As challenges emerge and opportunities present themselves, restaurants need to be prepared to innovate and drive the industry forward. So, when change comes, will you be ready?

The appetite for restaurants hasn’t gone away

When we last surveyed restaurant customers for our 2021 restaurant trends report, the COVID-19 pandemic was creating massive uncertainty in the industry and many worried that restaurant patronage might never recover.

But in our most recent restaurant study, conducted in 2023 March 55% of customers said that the amount of in-person dining they did was actually the same as or higher than before the pandemic. And a surprising 69% reported that they got takeaway or delivery at the same rate or more frequently than a few years ago. Clearly, the appetite for restaurants hasn’t gone away.

So, what else does this latest data tell us about restaurants’ new normal? Overall, it seems like many preferences that emerged during the pandemic are here to stay. In the 2021 survey, two themes emerged that now appear to be entrenched. One major trend was ultimate convenience, which was reflected in the dominance of delivery and takeaway orders. The importance of a frictionless digital experience also emerged, which remains a key feature for restaurants as consumer preference for digital channels continues to grow.

Three trends defining the future of restaurants

37% of dine-in guests said that less expensive options and increased promotions and discounts would encourage them to go to restaurants more frequently.

15% of takeaway guests would be motivated to order more frequently if food quality was better.

To create more value for customers, restaurants should explore tools like personalisation engines, increasingly diversified offerings and channel-specific offers.

40% of customers prefer to order directly from restaurant websites.

Even with the rise in digital, 55% of patrons still prefer to use the phone to address service concerns.

Restaurant delivery has surged over the past 10 years. To meet this sustained customer interest, restaurants will need to continue investing in improved digital and delivery experiences.

47% of consumers are comfortable with ordering from restaurants that use drones or driverless vehicles.

62% said they would order from a cashier-less restaurant if given the opportunity.

We predict increased automation in restaurants over the next 10 years, but many customers are already taking advantage of automated capabilities—from contactless delivery to voice-automated drive-thru ordering.

It's all about value

This year, many consumers are facing a conundrum: they want to keep dining out but are feeling a financial pinch. Restaurants should find ways to provide high-quality food at reasonable prices, which could amplify revenue and guests’ perception of value.

When asked what would get them to order from restaurants more frequently, answers were similar for both dine-in and takeaway. Customers want less expensive options with promotions and discounts. And given projected future economic concerns, we expect this desire for cost savings to continue to grow.

To keep delivering effective value as customer needs and preferences evolve, restaurants should consider creating a suite of tools that allow for opportunity, such as:

  • Personalisation engines to provide increasingly targeted discount and marketing campaigns
  • Increasingly diversified offerings to meet consumers’ changing and niche needs in this continually expanding market
  • More channel-specific offerings to enhance restaurants’ sales mix

The takeover of takeaway

Restaurant delivery has surged over the past 10 years—seen in the rise of third-party delivery apps and changes in customer behaviour during the pandemic. Restaurants are increasingly catering to this business, which is often leading to smaller dining rooms, dedicated shelves for pickup and separate service lines to prepare takeaway orders.

To encourage digital sales, brands should continue to invest in frictionless digital experiences and consider looking to other industries such as airlines and hotels for inspiration. We found that customers generally prefer to order through a restaurant’s direct channels. So to protect those direct sales, restaurants should work to make their direct order channels the same cost or less expensive, than third-party options.

To capitalise on the rise of takeaway, many restaurants are operating ghost kitchens, which only offer takeaway and delivery. In 2023, 50% of customers said they would order from a ghost kitchen, while 24% feel indifferent. While ghost kitchens operate with less labour, changing a restaurant’s physical footprint can be challenging and expensive. As this trend continues, we expect to see greater efficiency in restaurant design.

The rise of automation

 

Automation and restaurant technology solutions introduced during the pandemic have been largely well-received. This year’s restaurant study found that most guests aren’t deterred by automation and would continue to go to restaurants that use these innovations.

For example, customers are increasingly comfortable with drones and driverless car delivery options, with 47% saying they would order from a restaurant that offered this type of delivery in 2023, versus 44% in 2021. Contactless delivery has also maintained prominence since the pandemic, allowing for faster drop offs.

Technological advances could also lead to a greater focus on labour efficiency. With a tight labour market, increasing minimum wages and growing union pressures, there will likely be greater scrutiny over which tasks must be completed by workers versus technology.

Looking ahead, we expect to see increasing automation in restaurants. That being said, these are costly investments, especially for large-scale quick service chains. Restaurants have also been challenged by inflation and have had to increase prices to keep up with costs. As they consider where and how to invest in these new technologies, they should weigh the potential returns and be cognizant that any investment may limit their ability keep prices stable.

What’s next for the restaurant industry?

As these changes emerge and opportunities present themselves, restaurants will need to be poised to innovate and drive the industry forward. To learn more about these restaurant industry trends and how you can prepare, download our full report.

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