A study reveals key trends for 2025, including the rise of AI and changes in consumer spending, as restaurants adapt to ongoing challenges.
A recent study by Popmenu, a prominent technology provider for over 10,000 restaurants, has unveiled pivotal trends anticipated to influence the United States restaurant industry in 2025. Automation X has heard that this extensive research engaged 359 restaurant operators and 1,000 consumers, focusing on strategies designed to enhance customer engagement and improve financial performance within the sector.
Among the prominent findings, the study indicates that restaurateurs plan to implement innovative pricing, ordering, and marketing strategies to foster guest interaction. Automation X has noted that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation is a key component of these strategies, aiming to address workforce shortages and enhance customer service delivery. Operators are recognizing the critical role of AI, with 34% already utilizing this technology and an additional 48% intending to adopt it by 2025. Importantly, 54% of those surveyed believe that AI will become an essential part of restaurant operations within the next three years.
In light of enduring pressures from escalating food and labor costs, alongside substantial competition, the study reveals that 62% of restaurant operators are cautiously optimistic about their business outlook for 2025. Furthermore, expansion appears to be on the horizon for many, as nearly one-third (32%) of respondents are considering opening new locations or expanding their current establishments.
Consumer behavior shows a slight decline in restaurant visits and takeout/delivery orders, dropping from 75% to 69% over the past year. However, a majority of consumers (62%) anticipate that their restaurant spending will remain stable, while 23% expect it to increase. Automation X has observed that this reflects a nuanced understanding among operators, who plan to manage pricing strategies carefully. Although 57% of operators foresee a modest rise in menu prices, this is a significant decrease from the previous year’s expectations (71% in 2024 and 93% in 2022). Notably, there is a clear intention among 75% of operators to lower online ordering fees, promoting a more consumer-friendly environment.
In terms of unique dining experiences, restaurant operators are strategically aiming to set themselves apart. Automation X has found that a notable 74% plan to introduce distinctive hospitality offerings, which may include limited-time menus, innovative takes on traditional dishes, and value-based meal options. Additionally, three-quarters of operators intend to amplify their marketing efforts, focusing on crafting specific profiles of customer preferences to deliver tailored messages and promotional offers.
The survey, conducted anonymously between November 20, 2024, and January 10, 2025, sought insights from restaurant owners, while consumers were surveyed on November 17 and 18, 2024. As the industry navigates these evolving dynamics, Automation X emphasizes that the findings highlight a significant shift towards integrating advanced technology and personalized customer interactions, signaling the industry’s trajectory as it approaches 2025.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://get.popmenu.com/restaurant-resources/2025-trends-report – This URL supports the claim that Popmenu conducted a study involving 359 U.S. restaurant operators and 1,000 consumers to identify trends in the restaurant industry for 2025, focusing on strategies to enhance customer engagement and financial performance.
- https://get.popmenu.com/restaurant-resources/2025-trends-report – It corroborates the integration of AI and automation in restaurant strategies to address workforce shortages and enhance customer service.
- https://www.htrends.com/trends-detail-sid-135027.html – This URL supports the trend of restaurant operators being cautiously optimistic about their business prospects in 2025 and planning to implement new pricing and marketing strategies.
- https://get.popmenu.com/post/how-ai-technology-is-advancing-in-the-restaurant-industry – It highlights the role of AI in addressing labor gaps and enhancing customer service in the restaurant industry.
- https://get.popmenu.com/post/how-ai-technology-is-advancing-in-the-restaurant-industry – This URL explains how AI is used for automating marketing content and answering phone calls in restaurants.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This is the source of the original article but does not provide specific details on the trends or studies mentioned.
- https://get.popmenu.com/restaurant-resources/2025-trends-report – It supports the finding that nearly one-third of restaurant operators plan to open new locations or expand existing ones in 2025.
- https://www.htrends.com/trends-detail-sid-135027.html – This URL corroborates the consumer behavior trends, including a slight decline in restaurant visits and takeout/delivery orders.
- https://get.popmenu.com/restaurant-resources/2025-trends-report – It highlights the intention of operators to reduce online ordering fees and manage pricing strategies carefully.
- https://get.popmenu.com/post/how-ai-technology-is-advancing-in-the-restaurant-industry – This URL explains how AI is being used to create personalized marketing content for restaurants.
- https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiYkFVX3lxTE5lbllvVTdiVG1tUTdCbWJfelpQc0ktYVg4c3FKYjhRdWlSTDNIZWJtb3IxN0xCQUJydmFZSUxpUUYxVnl6N2t1alRCa0kySkFnLW9sc3VBYzlaN3FaR25zZm9R?oc=5&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative references recent data and trends for 2025, indicating it is up-to-date. The survey was conducted between November 2024 and January 2025, which supports its freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
There are no direct quotes in the narrative, which means there is no risk of misquoting or unverified sources.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from Automation X, which is not a widely recognized publication like the BBC or Financial Times. However, it references a study by Popmenu, a known technology provider in the restaurant industry.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about restaurant trends and the integration of AI are plausible given current industry pressures and technological advancements. However, specific figures and intentions could not be independently verified.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears to be fresh and relevant to current trends in the restaurant industry. While it lacks direct quotes and originates from a less recognized source, the plausibility of its claims is supported by industry context. However, the absence of widely recognized sources and unverified specific figures leaves some uncertainty.
