Studying trends for the coming year in the restaurant and hospitality industry is no easy task considering the unprecedented circumstances we’re emerging from pandemic shutdowns, new safety regulations, supply chain issues, and inflation. As we settle into the 2023 version of normal, many industry leaders are working hard to provide a snapshot of what to expect.
One such report has come out of ‘Nestle Professional’, focusing on trends that affect all areas of the food-service and supply industries. Here are some of the findings which are sure to impact restaurants of all sorts across the country in the coming months.
Technology
Of course, at the height of Covid, there was a surge of technological solutions and digital applications, meant to create social distance and convenience. As regulations loosen, the convenience factor remains appeals to consumers once again immersed in busy schedules and the fast pace of life. “Operators are quickly catching on that technology can enhance and improve the guest experience, bring much-needed operational efficiencies, streamline processes, and trim costs in many areas. Going forward, automated solutions and the budgets to support them are built into many business plans, their worth and value having been proved many times over,” says this Nestle report. The report also states that more than 50% of food service operators have plans to implement a new technological advancement within the next two to three years. This indicates that this trend, isn’t temporary—it’s being absorbed into the new normal.
Food Fusion
As diners return to dining-out, they’re looking, not only for high-quality and delicious food. They’re looking for an experience. Research showed that the Millennial generation has always been willing to pay more for a whole experience, and it seems that Gen Z will follow in their footsteps. Environment and creativity will be high-impact factors for the younger diners. Along this vein, restaurants are expected to incorporate more fusion concepts into their restaurants in 2023. But blending cultural elements will go beyond menu items. Restaurants are starting to expand their kitchens to include different people groups, different backgrounds, different ideas, and this move toward a melting post is working its way into the plates the restaurants serve. “Food is personal, an expression of who we are and where we come from. Faces in kitchens and names of restaurant owners increasingly reflect a global perspective, this trend met head-on by customers who similarly bring different backgrounds to America’s tables. All look to connect, commune, and strengthen bonds over food, sharing taste memories, changing menus, and broadening palates at each step along the way.”
Labor Shortage
The coming year will still be affected by some of the lingering consequences of the pandemic era, including the labor shortage. According to the Nestle Professional report, full-service “restaurants are operating with 6.2 fewer kitchen employees.” Business operations in 2023 will hinge on labor solutions. Some of these challenges will lend themselves to technological alternatives (thus an increase in digital solutions), but owner-operators are also changing the ways they hire and retain employees. Centered on “people-first” leadership and team building, restaurant owners and managers are combatting the labor crisis by incentivizing great employees to come on board and stay on board.
“Existing restaurant operators must continue to understand the changes and trends, along with consumer preferences,” notes Richard Weil, principal, and owner of National Restaurant Consultants.
National Restaurant Consultants is a team of experts with decades’ worth of experience. We stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends, with thanks to great industry resources like Nestle Professional. Nestlé Professional is committed to providing the finest ingredients, operational knowledge, and uncompromised support to foodservice operations. Our restaurant consultants share these values and are dedicated to helping your restaurant business succeed.