Restaurant Trends 2018 [updated]

The restaurant and food industry is constantly growing and evolving. Some of the biggest trends we are currently seeing across this industry are coming from climate concerns and digital connections. Consumers are realising the impact our actions can have on the environment, sustainability in restaurants remains a huge trend. As we are halfway through 2018 we thought we would give you the latest restaurant trends and how we’re going to see them evolve over the course of the rest of the year.

Restaurant insurance is vital if you’re thinking about opening a restaurant this year!

Waste-conscious menu sizes

Reducing food waste is becoming a big priority for restaurant owners. Around 7 million tonnes of food waste is generated in the UK every year, while most of it is still safe to eat. In order to cut down on the amount of wasted food, restaurant owners are finding ways to used every single part of their produce.

‘Instagramable’ decor design

Social media is changing the way consumers make choices. People are now on the hunt for the most ‘instagramable’ restaurants and cafes. Having something different, and unique whether that be a personalised food dish or interesting decor theme, will drive new customers to your restaurant to check it out.

A casual menu

Over time, the desire for complicated and multiple course menus has decreased. Customers are now seeking restaurants that take a more casual approach to the food they served. Instead of having many different course, customers would rather have something simple but of a higher quality. Keeping things simple is a key trend for the restaurant industry this year.

Sustainability and Recycling

Restaurants showing a commitment to recycling and sustainability are instantly more appealing to the millennials and generation X – who are more of an environmentally conscious group. For example, restaurants that conserve water, energy or even reduce food waste by reusing the wasted food – people are more likely to want to choose this restaurant over a non-sustainable restaurant.

Restaurants serving experiences

Customers demands are growing – they are now looking for more than just a meal and more of an experience. This could be eating in an unusual location, eating in the dark to heighten other senses or even restaurants telling a story through food! Customers are more likely to want to pay more for their food when they are getting an experience out of it.

Breakfast trend

The amount of people choosing to dine out for breakfast rather than an evening meal is increasing! Breakfast is also slowly becoming more ‘instagramed’ than any other meal. Restaurants are becoming wise to this, and some are even starting to offer avocado breakfast dishes as an evening meal.

If you are thinking of opening your own restaurant, it may be worth taking in some of these tips. And remember, restaurant insurance is essential. If you are wondering which policy to get, get in touch with us. We are always happy to help!

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