The restaurant industry has gone through many changes over the last two years. Factors such as lack of staffing and supply chain shortages are causing restaurants to step back and change systems to save money and become more efficient. Many restaurant owners and patrons find that these trends and changes are an improvement compared to what they dealt with pre-pandemic.
To help keep your sales soaring and customers happy, follow the biggest restaurant menu trends in 2022.
Smaller Menu List
There was a time when restaurants prided themselves on having a wide selection of dishes. However, in 2022, restaurants are downsizing their menus to better-known items and sticking to a consistent theme. You should consider redesigning your physical menu with your restaurant’s staples to help allow your patrons to familiarize themselves with what you offer.
Plant-Based Entrees
Veganism has been around for a while, but the demand for plant-based restaurants is growing fast. The popularity of plant-based entrees is due to the scarcity of some meats, the rise in the cost of animal-based protein, and the environmental effects of eating animal-based foods. Plant-based entrees help keep menu item costs down and open the door to a broader customer base.
Fresh & Local Food Items
As previously stated, the supply chain disruption has challenged some restaurants to stay afloat. However, many restaurants have taken this as an opportunity to turn to local farmers markets to help source their ingredients. Using farm-to-table menu items still allows you to make delicious dishes with a lower price and a fresher taste.
Short-Term Menu Items
One of the biggest restaurant menu trends in 2022 is providing short-term menu items. Some restaurants change their menu weekly or monthly based on ingredient availability. Many restaurants use chalkboards or QR codes to keep the cost down to allow customers to look up their current menu.
A Larger Variety of Drink Options
“Mocktails” and “kombucha” are two buzzwords in the restaurant industry. Providing more drinks other than alcoholic beverages and soda in 2022 is a must because it will allow you to open yourself to a larger demographic. Encourage your bartenders to concoct new mocktails that are refreshing and visually appealing to enhance the restaurant experience.
