10 January 2025 - 3 min read
Guest
The bar and restaurant industry is no stranger to change and it’s that time of year again when we try to work out what new trends will be shaping the way businesses operate and how customers experience dining and nightlife. From sustainability and tech-driven service to bold flavour profiles and immersive experiences, it’s time to take a closer look at the shifts in consumer behaviour and emerging concepts that will define the industry in the year ahead.
At Rotaready we know trends are constantly evolving in response to consumer habits, technology, and global events and whether you’re looking to attract new customers or keep regulars coming back for more, staying on top of these shifts is essential for success.
From menus to marketing strategies, in this article we’ll take a peek at the hottest restaurant and bar trends set to influence how customers choose where to eat and drink in 2025. We’ll look at how being proactive and adaptable will keep you ahead of the competition and your business thriving.
It looks like the restaurant industry trends shaping 2025 are as diverse as they are exciting, reflecting everything from sustainability and tech innovations to customer experience enhancements. Here’s what to watch out for:
Feeding into the “Cozy revolution” in 2025, comfort food is getting a premium twist. Think gourmet mac and cheese, truffle-topped fries and craft cocktails inspired by nostalgic classics. These elevated dishes tap into diners’ desire for familiarity with a touch of indulgence.
The farm-to-table movement is evolving into hyper-local sourcing, with restaurants working closely with neighbourhood suppliers and urban farms. This reduces a venue’s carbon footprint and gives menus an unbeatable “fresh and local” appeal.
People’s attitudes to alcohol are shifting and in keeping with the “sober curious” movement, bar trends for 2025 include an expanded focus on zero and low-alcohol beverages. Sophisticated, non-alcoholic cocktails with complex flavours are surging in popularity as health-conscious customers seek taste experiences that won’t leave them feeling left out.
Immersive dining experiences from themed pop-ups, “secret” locations and interactive dining are becoming key attractions. Customers are no longer just eating out; they’re looking for entertainment and memorable (and Instagram worthy) moments.
Online ordering will continue to increase in 2025. People are also looking for other methods of customer convenience, such as self-service, kiosks, contactless payment and App ordering.
Studies have shown that 98% of the Gen Z population own a smartphone and are heavily reliant on mobile apps for ordering food. They prefer restaurants that offer customisable menu options as 75% customise their orders, and 22% like to try new menu items “very often.”
Sustainability remains front and centre as restaurants embrace climate-conscious operations, adapting to evolving consumer expectations as well as environmental responsibilities. Reducing food waste, sourcing local ingredients, improving energy efficiency and removing single-use plastics, sustainability is becoming a key driver of customer loyalty in the industry.
Zero-waste kitchens are becoming the gold standard. By repurposing ingredients, using food waste apps and embracing composting, chefs are finding innovative ways to cut waste.
Plant-based dining isn’t just a trend, it’s a movement. This year will see more menus featuring creative plant-based dishes that go beyond the usual suspects, appealing to vegans, flexitarians and everyone in between.
Restaurants are taking a flexible, more sustainable approach to their menus to provide customers with more ethical and nutritious meals. Sustainably sourced seafood, ethical meat, and seasonal produce are likely to win big in 2025.
In 2025, we’ll see a rise in restaurants adopting renewable energy solutions, from solar panels to energy-efficient kitchens that not only reduce overheads but also strengthen a restaurant’s sustainability credentials.
It’s a win-win, helping businesses lower their carbon footprint, appeal to eco-conscious customers, cut costs and improve efficiency while boosting their eco-credentials.
Technology continues to reshape the way bars and restaurants operate and serve customers. Tech looks set to be even more crucial to success in 2025 as customers look to apps and websites to order food and pay for experiences. Some of the things to look out for include:
AI is a game-changer in the restaurant industry, enhancing everything from menu optimisation and personalised service to predictive maintenance. AI-powered chatbots can answer customer questions and resolve issues.
Time consuming tasks such as inventory management can be automated with AI.
AI can collect data about preferences and habits and create personalised experiences for customers.
AI-powered ordering kiosks and chatbot integrations streamline operations and improve the customer experience.
Industry-based software, like Rotaready’s Hospitality Solutions, helps businesses manage staffing with precision, produce instantly accurate staff rotas and make informed scheduling decisions based on anticipated demand; ultimately improving operational efficiency and keeping staff morale high.
Contactless dining technology, including QR-code menus, app-based ordering and self-checkout stations, remains a key focus making dining faster and more convenient.
Marketing strategies for bars and restaurants in 2025 will focus heavily on digital connection and personalisation.
Here are a few stats that show why having a strong presence on search engines helps:
Some of the leading trends in this area include:
With short-form video content still reigning supreme, social media is more powerful than ever. Telling your brand’s story through behind-the-scenes footage, customer shoutouts and trending challenges helps boost visibility and engagement.
Loyalty programmes are getting smarter, offering customisable rewards and exclusive offers that resonate with diners. These programmes leverage data to create a personalised customer experience, increasing retention.
From “Meatless Mondays” to pop-up events showcasing specific global cuisines, niche marketing campaigns create buzz and attract new audiences.
We seem set to see many restaurant marketing ideas and trends over the course of the year as people try to stay one step ahead of the competition.
Adapting to the latest restaurant trends in 2025 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by identifying which trends fit your brand and customer base. Small steps such as introducing a plant-based option or enhancing your social media presence can make a big impact.
For sustainability trends, consider forming partnerships with local suppliers or investing in smart tech to monitor food waste. To leverage tech trends, tools like Rotaready’s software can streamline your operations and free up time for you to focus on delivering memorable customer experiences.
At Rotaready, we’re passionate about helping you stay ahead of the curve. Our innovative software solutions simplify staff scheduling, track KPIs, and improve team management, all while adapting to the latest trends. Whether you’re embracing sustainability, improving efficiency or enhancing customer experience, Rotaready’s tools give you the edge.
Ready to future-proof your business? Discover how Rotaready can help here
Evaluate trends based on your brand’s values, customer feedback and market demand. Focus on changes that will enhance your offering without straying from your core identity.
Cost and training can be significant barriers. For example, adopting new tech requires investment and staff training, while sustainability changes may involve higher upfront costs.
Location can also bring about challenges in implementing menu changes, as ingredients may not be available locally.
Data from POS systems, customer surveys and software like Rotaready can help you spot patterns, forecast demand and tailor your services to evolving customer preferences.
As the personalised experiential dining trend increases, the need for robust data will become more important than ever.
Avoid trends that feel like short-lived fads or that don’t resonate with your customers. Jumping on every trend can dilute your brand identity and confuse diners. Instead of increasing your customer base, it may alienate and lose your existing one.
In this article we’ve shared some of the hottest restaurant and bar trends coming to us in 2025. By staying proactive and adaptable, bars and restaurants can not only keep pace with trends but also set themselves apart as industry leaders in 2025.
By helping hospitality businesses streamline their scheduling, reduce costs, and make sure they have the right team in place to deliver exceptional customer service, Rotaready helps restaurants and bars stay ahead of the curve without losing focus on what matters most; great food, drinks, and customer experiences.
With the right strategies and tools, 2025 can be a year of growth and success for your business.
Cheers to a successful year ahead!
04 February 2025
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