Lately, the way people dine has changed a lot. We now prefer to order and enjoy comfort food at home. If we do decide to go out, we no longer want to settle for a casual dining experience but seek something unique and new. And why shouldn’t we? Businesses out there are constantly on their toes, trying to deliver the best of both worlds: exceptional taste and a wonderful experience for their customers. These efforts are leading to significant shifts in trends.
If you run a restaurant in the U.S., this might concern you. So, here are the top trends that have been going on.
Top Restaurant Trends in the US
1. Everything Plant-Based
A lot of people today want healthier food options, and this trend is growing fast. Brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are making the most of it by coming out with tasty plant-based products that people really like. Honestly, they have set the bar pretty high for everyone else. But that doesn’t mean others can’t join in. You can also jump on this trend by making plant-based meals with flavours from around the world that appeal to a broad audience, including flexitarians and vegans. If most of your customers are health-conscious and environmentally aware, then it’s definitely worth trying.
According to a report, sales of plant-based foods have outpaced overall food sales, and the market is expected to continue growing. This means there is some serious growth potential, and that’s why we are giving this trend a clear green light on our end.
2. Ghost Kitchens
Next on our list is ghost kitchens. These delivery-only restaurants don’t need a dining space, which helps cut down costs. Thanks to food delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash, customers can enjoy restaurant-quality meals from the comfort of home. This model is particularly great for chefs and restaurant owners who want to try something new without investing in a full dine-in setup. Instead of worrying about setup or decor, they can focus on cooking creative dishes and reaching more people online. Brands like CloudKitchens and Rebel Kitchen are already slaying it. They operate out of shared kitchen facilities and offer a variety of food options from classic comfort foods to trendy eats.
3. Wellness Focussed Dining
Wellness-focused dining is a thing now! Restaurants are serving up healthy grub that’s good for body and soul. Restaurants are increasingly sourcing fresh ingredients and creating healthy and unique dishes such as adaptogens (herb-based options, often tea, known to promote better mental health and immunity). It’s not just about plant-based, but about nourishing your whole self. You might have observed many new cafeterias opening, and their whole menu is based on wellness and holistic eats. The consistent rise of such businesses reflects that they have been receiving positive responses from the people.
4. Rebel Kitchen
Rebel Kitchen is a virtual restaurant brand that’s shaking up the food industry! It is a delivery-only concept. These models operate out of shared kitchen spaces, where multiple brands coexist. Isn’t it innovative? It allows them to focus on making unique dishes without the overhead of a physical dining space. What’s special about Rebel Kitchen is its ability to adapt quickly to changing consumer tastes and preferences, as you can experiment with new menu items and concepts.
In the US, Rebel Kitchen has gained popularity as a virtual brand, partnering with major food delivery platforms to reach a wide audience. While anyone can’t just become a Rebel Kitchen, any restaurant brand can adopt a similar virtual model, leveraging cloud kitchens and delivery platforms to expand their reach and test new concepts.
5. Sustainable Packing
If we talk about sustainable Packing, brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Coca-Cola are leading the way. Nobody is doing better than them. They are using less plastic, making packaging recyclable, and reducing waste. Other brands are following suit, and people are loving it! Consumers are more eco-conscious than ever, and they want brands that care about the planet.
You can also take inspiration from these brands and start promoting sustainable packaging. It’s a great way to attract customers who care about the environment.
6. Personalization
If you have been running a restaurant for quite some time, it’s time to stop guessing what your customers want. Simply use the right technology and CRM tools to boost your sales. With the right tools like AI-powered CRM systems, loyalty programs, and data analytics in place, you can track your customers’ preferences. Not just this, but also dietary restrictions, favourite dishes, and even ordering patterns.
7. Upselling Through Digital Menus & QR Codes
QR codes are now the new menu. Yes, you heard that right. It has become a standard part of the dining experience as restaurants are turning them into smart sales tools. Instead of just showing a static menu, digital menus are now designed to suggest upgrades, pairings, and limited-time offers based on customer behaviour or time of day. Now you might be wondering how it makes any difference? Then, just think about it. Suppose someone orders a burger; instead of keeping a simple menu book in front of them, appeal to them with a digital menu that’s more effective at making your customer feel the urge to press order. This digital menu can recommend the pairing item based on the customer data (what most people like to take with certain orders), and hence, there are more chances of successful upselling.
8. Sustainable Seafood
Sustainable seafood is becoming really popular these days in the U.S. More people are realizing how important it is to protect the oceans, so they’re choosing seafood that’s caught or farmed in ways that won’t harm the environment. Many restaurants in the U.S are responding by sourcing seafood from certified organizations, such as the Marine Stewardship Council, which ensures that seafood is caught or farmed in a responsible manner. Some notable brands that are leading the way in sustainable seafood include Sweetgreen, Whole Foods Market, and Legal Sea Foods. If you serve seafood and want to make a positive impact, consider exploring the trend of sustainable seafood.
9. Bring More to the Table than just Food
Restaurants are not just places to eat, right? It’s supposed to be a social space. A place where people relax, connect, laugh, and make memories. In many cases, the vibe and experience matter more than the food itself. That’s why the dining scene in 2025 is all about creating moments, not just meals. Just look at Applebee’s. They understood this years ago. With Ziosk tablets on every table, they made it easy for guests to order food, play games, and pay the bill while enjoying their meal. And the result? Longer stays, happier customers, and even bonus revenue from in-app game purchases. Smart, right? Now ask yourself, what if your restaurant could tap into that same energy?
10. Emotional Connection
Many customers seek extraordinary places where they can feel the charm and magic of the movies or shows they have loved all their childhood. Two brands that have brilliantly pulled this off are The Cauldron, with its immersive Harry Potter-themed experience, and Central Perk Pop-Up Cafes, which bring the iconic Friends coffeehouse to life.
If they can do it, so can you. With creativity and passion, your restaurant can become a beloved destination where guests relive their favourite stories and create unforgettable memories.
Discover What Works Best For Your Restaurant
Don’t feel like any current vibe matches your restaurant? We get it! Let’s do it your way. Just tell us about your restaurant, your needs, and your goals, and we will craft the perfect strategy to leverage key market opportunities and make your restaurant the hottest spot in town. We have done this for many restaurants across North America, and you could be our next success story.
Our team of experts and tools can assess market conditions and suggest the best ways to win your customers’ hearts. So what are you waiting for? Book your free consultation with us now!
