7 Restaurant Industry Trends for 2024
The restaurant industry is bracing for another year of challenges in 2024 as familiar pressures like inflation, price-sensitive customers, and rising operational costs continue to impact businesses across the board. With capital remaining scarce and traffic sluggish, restaurant operators are navigating a tough landscape, prompting many to seek out innovative solutions to stay competitive.
As Bryan Solar, Chief Product Officer at SpotOn, puts it, “Right now is the hardest it has ever been in the past 25-plus years of running restaurants.“
To tackle these issues, industry experts foresee restaurants embracing new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to streamline operations and cut labor costs. Service fees may become more common, helping restaurants manage labor expenses and retain employees, but the challenge will be balancing this with customer expectations.
Meanwhile, brands are also experimenting with menu options and beverage customization to appeal to younger, value-conscious diners and drive off-peak traffic. These trends, along with others, will shape the strategies that define the restaurant industry in 2024.
Read on to discover the seven key trends to watch for in the coming year.
Key Restaurant Industry Trends Shaping 2024
1. Service Fees: A New Normal for Full-Service Restaurants
Service fees are becoming increasingly common, particularly in regions where minimum wages for restaurant workers are rising, such as Washington, D.C. and Chicago. These fees, often ranging between 4% and 23%, help operators cover employee benefits like health care and stable wages.
While these fees can boost employee retention by insulating staff from unpredictable tips, there’s a risk of alienating price-sensitive customers. Restaurant owners need to strike a balance between offering competitive compensation and managing customer expectations around pricing transparency.
As restaurants adjust, education and transparency are key. AAA Food Handler provides valuable food safety and management training to help restaurant operators streamline operations while complying with regulations. Their expertise helps owners navigate new trends, ensuring staff are well-trained and equipped for the evolving restaurant landscape.
2. Value-Driven Menus and Smaller Price Hikes
Inflation-driven price hikes will moderate in 2024. Instead of steep increases, restaurants will look to raise prices by 3-5%, down from the double-digit hikes seen in 2023. With consumers reaching their spending limit, restaurants will focus on delivering value. Chains like Church’s Chicken are re-engineering their menus to offer more cost-effective options without compromising on quality.
Value engineering, paired with menu innovation, can be a game changer in retaining customers. As customers tighten their budgets, experimenting with pricing configurations while maintaining quality will be essential for survival.
3. Streamlined Menus with an Emphasis on Snacks and Beverages
Efficiency is crucial in 2024, with many chains streamlining their menus to reduce operational complexity. However, snack items and customizable beverage offerings are expected to grow. Restaurants are capitalizing on mid-afternoon traffic by offering caffeinated beverages, smoothies, and energy-boosting snacks to appeal to younger consumers.
McDonald’s new CosMc concept is an example of this trend, emphasizing customizable, functional drinks that appeal to snacking occasions. The focus on beverages as destination drivers reflects an industry shift towards innovation and meeting consumer demand for variety.
4. AI Adoption and Labor-Saving Technology
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in restaurants is expanding, particularly in the back-of-house. AI-powered kitchen systems will help operators optimize efficiency, manage order flow and reduce prep times. While customer-facing technology like kiosks and AI-driven drive-thrus will enhance convenience, the real impact will be felt behind the scenes.
AAA Food Handler plays a vital role in this shift by offering food safety training that integrates modern technology, ensuring restaurant employees can work more efficiently while maintaining safety standards. Operators are also increasingly adopting handheld devices to speed up table service, enhancing guest experiences and increasing sales. The move to automate repetitive tasks will allow restaurant staff to focus on high-value hospitality moments.
5. Tech-Enhanced Employee Retention and Productivity
With labor shortages improving only slightly, restaurants are focusing on technology to handle repetitive tasks, allowing staff to focus on guest interactions. Tools like kiosks and order-at-table devices free up workers to engage more meaningfully with customers while also driving sales through upselling opportunities.
Automation isn’t just about reducing headcount; it’s about improving labor productivity. Restaurants are embracing tech solutions, such as AI-driven systems and back-office automation, to simplify tasks like employee scheduling and supply management. Implementing this tech can also lead to improved employee satisfaction and retention—key elements to maintaining operational efficiency.
6. Personalized Loyalty Programs and Guest Engagement
Personalization has become a cornerstone of loyalty programs, with restaurants moving towards tailored offers based on consumer behavior. Chains can target individual preferences by leveraging customer data, driving repeat visits and higher spending. Mobile apps and online ordering systems are making it easier for restaurants to track and respond to customer preferences.
Starbucks is a prime example, having revolutionized the customer experience with its highly personalized app that caters to quick, seamless transactions. In 2024, expect more full-service restaurants to introduce similar systems that remember past orders and offer personalized perks, enhancing the dining experience.
7. Development Challenges and Franchise Growth
Despite high construction and interest costs, franchising remains a strong driver of growth. Operators are minimizing buildout costs by downsizing restaurant footprints without compromising on sales volume. The trend towards smaller units with multiple guest queues, as seen with Church’s Chicken, allows restaurants to maintain high efficiency in less space.
AAA Food Handler offers training that helps restaurant operators navigate the complexities of development, ensuring food safety and operational efficiency are maintained throughout expansion.
Embracing Change with AAA Food Handler
In an industry where innovation and adaptability are paramount, AAA Food Handler offers essential food safety training and management guidance to help restaurant owners navigate new trends and regulations. With expertise in food handling and training, AAA Food Handler ensures that restaurants remain compliant, efficient, and ready for the future.
In 2024, the ability to adapt to these trends—through the adoption of new technologies, innovative menu offerings, and strategic development decisions—will be key to staying competitive in a challenging market.
FOOD
HANDLER
Starting at $6.95
FOOD MANAGER
-1024x682.jpg)
Starting at $49.95
ALCOHOL TRAINING
Starting at $7.95
FOOD
HANDLER
Food Handler Reviews
4.9
No Title
No Title
Goodwill course
Excelente
Perfect
super
thans so much
Good course
this course is easy and very excelente
No Title
Muibuen examen
Jenial
No Title
Una experiencia fabulosa
Good
Good
No Title
No Title
No Title
No Title
Curso manipulacion alimentos
Excelente
Informativo y entretenido
Las diapositivas muy bien explicadas, cortas y sin tantas letras para no aburrir al estudiante. Definitivamente es un buen programa
Excelente
Un curso que permite un aprendizaje excelente
No Title
No Title
amazing
thank you Maria!
No Title
Excelente explicación de todos mos módulos.
Food Handler Reviews
4.9
No Title
No Title
Goodwill course
Excelente
Perfect
super
thans so much
Good course
this course is easy and very excelente
No Title
Muibuen examen
Jenial
No Title
Una experiencia fabulosa
Good
Good
No Title
No Title
No Title
No Title
Curso manipulacion alimentos
Excelente
Informativo y entretenido
Las diapositivas muy bien explicadas, cortas y sin tantas letras para no aburrir al estudiante. Definitivamente es un buen programa
Excelente
Un curso que permite un aprendizaje excelente
No Title
No Title
amazing
thank you Maria!
No Title
Excelente explicación de todos mos módulos.
Starting at $6.95
FOOD MANAGER
.jpg)
Food Manager Reviews
4.9
No Title
Smooth course
Very easy, no issues. Great way pf teaching and explaining
Great course
Direct and comprehensive course that makes learning faster and easier.
Excellent Details, Well formulated
The course material was well organized and the flow of understanding was comprehensive. I appreciated that I could pause the videos to take notes and replay as I needed. I wish there was a handout I could keep with the main points for easy reference.
BENIFICIAL
THIS COURSE IS GOOD. I LEARNED A LOT
sdfds
dsfdf
I cannot offer a fair assessment because I have not taken the text yet
The class was helpful. The computerized voice was not super pleasant but it got the job done I suppose.. It is very bad practice to demand a review prior to taking the test. I might have given it 5 stars but as I am only 1/2 complete, I could not offer a true opinion.
AAA Food Handler Diamond Course-
The course was quite informative & very thorough throughout.
The training covers the entire process, functions & duties of a food manager/food establishment owner.
It’s well known, Food can easily & seriously harm people & worse!…
I love how this course is very focused on reminding the student of that fact!..
Repeatedly brining focus back to the seriousness of not properly controlling foods.
I’ve already paid for the Allergens course also,
It’s not required for my area but I like the extra added safety of being informed.
My wife and daughter will be taking the food handler course also as they will be helping in our food business.
I 100% recommend this course for all your needs in food & safety training….
Customer service is a huge aspect these days with outsourcing jobs..
I have nothing but positive comments for the agents who I did speak with for general questions pertaining to the courses I trained in….
Overall my full experience was,
(0-10)
Courses ease of access -10
Pricing -10
Customer Service -10
Depth of subjects taught -10
In-between courses reviewing -10
Understandability -10
Thoroughness of topics explanations -10
DIAMOND COURSE REVIEW 10/10
-ILLINOIS COURSE 2025-
Chad Clement,
CC’s Chicago Style Eats…..
Good
Thank you
No Title
comprensivo
se entiende bien y muy bien explicado
No Title
Muy bien explicado
best program ever
This course was very understandable and fast.
No Title
Helpful
Very helpful.
Great Food Manager course
Good information for food safety and the practices needed in a commercial kitchen. The course was very straight forward and informative.
Its fine
It wasn’t the most painful thing ever
PRPOER TRAINING OF FOOD HANDLING
THE COURSE HIGHLIGH ALL AREA THAT NEED IN ORDER TO PROPERLY HANDLE AND PREPARE FOOD IN ORDER TO PREVENT UNNECESSARY ILLINESS OF CUSTOMER AND THE AREA OF CLEANESS OF SELF AND THAT OF THE FACILITY IN ORDER TO KEEP EVERYTHING IN WELL AND CONTROL MATTER THE COURSE WAS EDUCATIONAL AND A WELL PREPARED IN ORDER TO HELP ME EDUCATED THE ONE’S UNDER MY SUPERVISION.
Handwashing
All too often, people don’t realize the importance of handwashing. Not only for personal hygiene but also when touching something that could be potentially hazardous when handling food. I feel that part of this training was explained the best.
Diamond package
easy to follow
Food Manager Reviews
4.9
No Title
Smooth course
Very easy, no issues. Great way pf teaching and explaining
Great course
Direct and comprehensive course that makes learning faster and easier.
Excellent Details, Well formulated
The course material was well organized and the flow of understanding was comprehensive. I appreciated that I could pause the videos to take notes and replay as I needed. I wish there was a handout I could keep with the main points for easy reference.
BENIFICIAL
THIS COURSE IS GOOD. I LEARNED A LOT
sdfds
dsfdf
I cannot offer a fair assessment because I have not taken the text yet
The class was helpful. The computerized voice was not super pleasant but it got the job done I suppose.. It is very bad practice to demand a review prior to taking the test. I might have given it 5 stars but as I am only 1/2 complete, I could not offer a true opinion.
AAA Food Handler Diamond Course-
The course was quite informative & very thorough throughout.
The training covers the entire process, functions & duties of a food manager/food establishment owner.
It’s well known, Food can easily & seriously harm people & worse!…
I love how this course is very focused on reminding the student of that fact!..
Repeatedly brining focus back to the seriousness of not properly controlling foods.
I’ve already paid for the Allergens course also,
It’s not required for my area but I like the extra added safety of being informed.
My wife and daughter will be taking the food handler course also as they will be helping in our food business.
I 100% recommend this course for all your needs in food & safety training….
Customer service is a huge aspect these days with outsourcing jobs..
I have nothing but positive comments for the agents who I did speak with for general questions pertaining to the courses I trained in….
Overall my full experience was,
(0-10)
Courses ease of access -10
Pricing -10
Customer Service -10
Depth of subjects taught -10
In-between courses reviewing -10
Understandability -10
Thoroughness of topics explanations -10
DIAMOND COURSE REVIEW 10/10
-ILLINOIS COURSE 2025-
Chad Clement,
CC’s Chicago Style Eats…..
Good
Thank you
No Title
comprensivo
se entiende bien y muy bien explicado
No Title
Muy bien explicado
best program ever
This course was very understandable and fast.
No Title
Helpful
Very helpful.
Great Food Manager course
Good information for food safety and the practices needed in a commercial kitchen. The course was very straight forward and informative.
Its fine
It wasn’t the most painful thing ever
PRPOER TRAINING OF FOOD HANDLING
THE COURSE HIGHLIGH ALL AREA THAT NEED IN ORDER TO PROPERLY HANDLE AND PREPARE FOOD IN ORDER TO PREVENT UNNECESSARY ILLINESS OF CUSTOMER AND THE AREA OF CLEANESS OF SELF AND THAT OF THE FACILITY IN ORDER TO KEEP EVERYTHING IN WELL AND CONTROL MATTER THE COURSE WAS EDUCATIONAL AND A WELL PREPARED IN ORDER TO HELP ME EDUCATED THE ONE’S UNDER MY SUPERVISION.
Handwashing
All too often, people don’t realize the importance of handwashing. Not only for personal hygiene but also when touching something that could be potentially hazardous when handling food. I feel that part of this training was explained the best.
Diamond package
easy to follow
Starting at $49.95
ALCOHOL TRAINING
Alcohol Training Reviews
4.8
food handler/ alcohol
i learned so many things and taking this curse was helpful in so many ways that can help you later on in your jobs or in life since it gives you good info
not bad
long
great course
The course was very interested! I highly recommend this course.
Informative Training
The course was straightforward and informative. I appreciated that the modules weren’t repetitive.
muy bien
No Title
😎
Excelente curso
Awesome
Great information
No Title
No Title
detailed and easy to follow
Provided good information
No Title
Concise but slow. 1.5 hours is not true no matter how fast you are.
Title explains it all.
No Title
Easy and helpful
This wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Looking forward to putting this information to use. Thank you
No Title
RBS Alcohol License
Very Informative
No Title
No Title
TOO LONG
It took me 4 hours to complete this. It was just a bit too long compared to the other RBS trainings.
Alcohol Training Reviews
4.8
food handler/ alcohol
i learned so many things and taking this curse was helpful in so many ways that can help you later on in your jobs or in life since it gives you good info
not bad
long
great course
The course was very interested! I highly recommend this course.
Informative Training
The course was straightforward and informative. I appreciated that the modules weren’t repetitive.
muy bien
No Title
😎
Excelente curso
Awesome
Great information
No Title
No Title
detailed and easy to follow
Provided good information
No Title
Concise but slow. 1.5 hours is not true no matter how fast you are.
Title explains it all.
No Title
Easy and helpful
This wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Looking forward to putting this information to use. Thank you
No Title
RBS Alcohol License
Very Informative
No Title
No Title
TOO LONG
It took me 4 hours to complete this. It was just a bit too long compared to the other RBS trainings.
Starting at $7.95
OUR CLIENTS
