What will the restaurant landscape look like in 2022? That’s a question that is on many minds, and while no one can say for certain, we can take a look at some predictions from industry experts, including Nourish Food Marketing, Technomic and Blue Book Services.
From paring down menus to high-tech restaurant innovations, here are some trends to watch for in the coming year.
The Egg Sandwich
While the chicken sandwich has had its day for what feels like forever, the egg sandwich has slowly been creeping up on the competition. Many parts of the world have placed a spotlight on the breakfast item, which will likely carry over even more so into 2022.
The sandwich will be seen as an all-day menu option and feature premium ingredients, sides, sauces and preparation.
Bringing Back Breakfast
In addition to the egg sandwich, breakfast altogether will make a comeback since many chains were forced to cut the menu from their repertoire during the pandemic. But, as the recovery process continues for restaurants, people start going back to in-office work, and kids return to school, restaurateurs will bring breakfast menus back.
Paring Down Menus
With the continuing labor shortage and supply chain issues, restaurateurs have been paring down their menus to limited dishes. Restaurateurs are trying to keep things as simple as possible so their dishes will be done well regardless of a shortage in ingredients or labor force for cooking them up on time. Plus, the minimized menu will help reduce unnecessary waste in the kitchen.
Healthy Desserts
As a result of the pandemic, the public started to focus more on what they eat and why. This is because consumers are becoming more health-conscious, and are looking for healthier options when they eat out, even during dessert.
Healthy desserts will incorporate more nutritious ingredients, including plant-based and locally sourced products to minimize the harmful impact of over-processed foods and chemicals. You can also expect to find desserts that have beneficial properties, whether that’s boosting immunity with a turmeric and citrus tart or chia seed puddings to clarify complexions.
Coffee Cocktails
The coffee cocktail craze will continue to sweep restaurants in 2022. This trend is driven by diners who are looking for unique and interesting beverage options, and restaurateurs who are eager to offer new menu items that will appeal to their customers. Coffee cocktails are a great way to combine two popular trends – coffee and cocktails – into one delicious drink.
Plant-Based Foods Persevere
It’s no secret that plant-based foods are becoming more popular each year. This is great news for restaurant owners and employees who are looking to capitalize on this growing movement. With the right menu choices, restaurants can appeal to vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike.
Robots in the Kitchen
There is a lot of talk about robots in the kitchen these days. Will they take over? How will they change the industry? proponents of this trend believe that they will help to improve efficiency and accuracy in food preparation. Restaurants who decide to adopt this technology are likely to see many benefits, including lower labor costs and fewer errors in menu items.
Several restaurants here in Georgia have already incorporated robots into the front of house as well. The robots can assist with bussing tables, food running, delivering drinks and more, helping waitstaff with some of the heavy lifting and allowing them to spend more time with the guests and less time running to and from the kitchen.
Also look for more voice-based AI at the drive-thru, a trend that’s already been picking up speed during the pandemic.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
As we move further into the 21st century, food and drink trends are constantly evolving. In 2022, non-alcoholic drinks are predicted to take center stage, as people become more health-conscious and interested in flavorful, yet healthy options.
Heritage Cooking
While consumers have become more health-conscious, they’ve also become more aware and intrigued by the food they eat and what it means to them. This means that dishes inspired by traditional recipes and ingredients from around the world will be in high demand as people seek out dishes that relate to their heritage or bringing up.
