We thought 2022 would be a new start, thanks to the easy availability of vaccines. But it didn’t happen because the new variants like Omicron are also making their presence known. They are making life difficult for business owners, especially restaurants that have had to adjust their business practices due to COVID-19. Here you can look at 2022 restaurant trends and know what to expect.
Ø Turn Towards Non-Alcoholic Spirits
When people are alone at home and isolated,
they often have the urge to drink. Restaurants are becoming more sensible and are
serving non-alcoholic beverages that are better for your health and allow you
to be social without the alcohol count. This will continue in 2022 as well.
Ø Awareness About Ingredients
COVID-19 has forced people to re-look at
their health and eating habits. Now, people are more cautious about the
ingredients. So, restaurants are complying by using healthier and freshly made
ingredients. This trend would and should go on in 2022 and beyond.
Ø Stricter Cancellation Policies
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, many
restaurants have faced losses. To minimize it, they are implementing stricter
cancellation policies. This trend should also go on to reduce wastage and
financial losses.
Ø The Adoption of Adaptogenic Food & Beverage
Adaptogenic
Food & Beverages contain ingredients that help prevent the side effects
of stress on our bodies. Restaurants are serving such foods to ensure that the
customers stay physically and mentally healthy.
Ø Old Food Trends are Back
Food trends like heritage and fusion
cooking, flexitarian diets, fermenting, virtual
cooking classes, alternative sugars, convenient comfort food, and mushroom
drinks have made a comeback. Also, restaurants are now serving specialized
foods that are catered according to individual client needs.
Ø Restaurant and Beverage Kits & Subscriptions
As people are somewhat reluctant to go for
dine-in and will continue to do so until all variants disappear, the trend of
restaurant and beverage kits and subscriptions will continue. The meal kits are
usually crafted by top chefs and imitate the exclusive indoor dining
experience.
Ø Potato Milk
The demand for a more ecologically
conscious non-dairy offering will lead to the wider popularity of potato milk
in 2022. It’s cheap, allergen-free, and easier on the environment than many non-dairy
alternatives.
Ø Focus on Sustainability
2022 will also increase focus on
sustainability as people will continue to prefer restaurants that are cautious
about their carbon footprint and their brand’s impact on the environment. They
will prefer food and beverages that are environmentally conscientious.
Ø Waste Reduction
The focus on waste reduction is also here
to stay. Restaurants that make an effort to reduce food wastage and prefer
environment-friendly dining will be liked by customers in 2022 as well.
Ø Responsible Packaging
Restaurants will continue moving from
single-use plastics to sustainable alternatives this year. Biodegradable and
compostable materials will be more frequently used in packaging food and
beverages.
Ø Contact-Free Service
As more new variants of COVID-19 might come
up with time, the habit of contact-free and fast service will be present at
restaurants. Touchless menus, payment options, and QR codes will be implemented
widely.
Sources:
https://www.restaurantscanada.org/trends-shaping-canadas-restaurant-and-hospitality-industry-in-2022/
https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/7-restaurant-trends-that-will-define-2022/616518/#:~:text=Restaurants%20will%20trim%20their%20menus,%2Dpremise%20demand%2C%20analysts%20say
https://www.foodandwine.com/lifestyle/biggest-food-restaurant-trends-2022