Top restaurant industry trends that you will notice during 2023. Part 2.
As we step into the new year, it’s important to keep an eye on the emerging trends in the restaurant industry. Keeping up with the latest developments can give your restaurant a competitive edge and ensure that you’re offering your customers the best possible experience. Restaurant platform Places App has identified several key trends that are set to shape the industry in 2023. In this article, we will delve into the second part of our research on these trends, so you can stay ahead of the curve and make the most of the opportunities they present.
Trend #6: More than a culinary experience
Many restaurants are starting to offer much more than a culinary experience. The meal can take the form of a show where the preparation of this or that dish is staged. It’s also possible to offer customers a sensory experience where smell, hearing, taste and sight are stimulated.
For example, in restaurants using virtual reality, robot waiters are already very successful. The more unusual the experience, the more likely customers will talk about it on social networks.
Dining In The Dark London
Ever wondered what it is like to eat in the dark? Dining in the Dark is the sensorial menu that will surprise your senses. They say that 80% of people eat with their eyes, so why not try this unusual dining experience? The menu will surprise your senses and test your taste buds.
Dining In The Dark: Qualigno’s, 16 Bury Street, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6AJ | Book HERE
Trend #7: Open kitchens
Open kitchens can be a way to entertain customers and offer a unique experience, including a bond of trust that they can establish with consumers. Indeed, consumers are increasingly sensitive to the origin of products, preparation methods, hygiene, etc. Open kitchens respond to their concerns by showing them the products and the way they are prepared before their eyes. This strengthens the relationship of trust and the good reputation of the restaurant.
There are five Barrafinas in London; the original site is on Soho’s Dean Street. Each restaurant has an open kitchen, a beautiful marble-topped bar where guests can sit and watch the chefs at work and stylish red leather stools. The a la carte menus comprise authentic regional dishes from around Spain and a daily changing specials menu unique to each restaurant.
Barrafinas: Dean Street, 26–27 Dean Street, London W1D 3LL | Book HERE
Trend #8: A loyal comunity
Many restaurant owners are trying to build a community around their establishments. The creation of this strongly link with their clientele requires an increased digital presence. Social networks broadcast various content, photos of dishes, and videos of chefs in action. Messenger and Instagram are also excellent ways to interact with customers. Relevant influencers can promote your offer and concept to the community you are targeting. In the Places App, we are providing the tool to build your loyalty system and genuine customer relationships in one click.
The digital loyalty system is a great feature for busy professionals and families who may not have the time to keep track of paper or plastic loyalty cards.
Trend #9: The Middle Eastern taste
Middle East street foods are starting to appear on UK menus, with the next wave coming from Lebanon, Palestine and Syria. Diners worldwide are familiar with some of the country’s signatures, including shawarma, falafel, hummus and pitas. But there’s a wide assortment of mezze (dips and finger foods) as well as pickled vegetables, labneh (yoghurt cheese), kibbeh (ground meat and bulgur) and man’oushe (za’atar-topped flatbreads).
Before coming to London, chef Fadi Kattan was cooking at a restaurant in Bethlehem, and now he has brought this experience to Akub, a Palestinian restaurant in Notting Hill. Expect modern dishes with a Palestinian taste, like arak-cured sea bass or freekeh risotto.
Akub: 27 Uxbridge Street London W8 7TQ | Book HERE
Trend #10: Virtual restaurants
Virtual restaurants have evolved into a stable business model. Also known as ghost kitchens, these virtual kitchens are restaurants that only produce food for pickup or delivery. Most have no dining room or area. Instead, they work efficiently and quickly to whip up great food for takeout. If you’re trying to pay attention to your bottom line and your restaurant is primarily to-go and delivery, consider eliminating the overhead from maintaining and staffing. You can find many such restos in the Places App (for iOS and here for Android).
The Virtual Restaurant Company is an eclectic collection of online restaurants dedicated to delivering the best quality food in Bow, Norbury & West Finchley, London.
From delicious vegan street food and loaded mac ’n’ cheese to ‘create your own’ taco boxes, movie night snacks and more, there’s something for everyone on the menu.
The Virtual Restaurant Company: 27 Uxbridge Street London W8 7TQ | Order HERE
Trend #11: Restaurant management technology
Recent restaurant technology trends show that diners are now accustomed to using QR codes to view menus that can be updated in real-time and allow for smooth contactless payment. When customers order via their phone or a kiosk, it reduces employee overhead and cuts down on order errors. It’s also easy to promote limited-time offers through marketing. This smart use of data will be a top restaurant technology trend for years to come. And we are happy to provide it for any restaurant for free. Request a demo here.
