Explore Top 10 Restaurant Industry Trends & Innovations in 2026

Executive Summary: What are the Top 10 Restaurant Industry Trends in 2026?

The restaurant industry is undergoing rapid change driven by technology adoption, shifting consumer expectations, sustainability pressures, and workforce challenges. Top innovation trends shaping the sector are:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: 79% of US restaurants have implemented or are considering AI for forecasting, personalization, and automated ordering. Wendy’s FreshAi drive-thru assistant reduced order time by 22 seconds. Besides, generative AI is now used for menu creation and marketing.
2. Health-Conscious & Personalized Offerings: 53% of diners actively seek healthier options. Also, 43% desire more high-protein meals. AI-driven personalization is reshaping loyalty programs, with 7 in 10 operators citing them as key customer retention tools.
3. Sustainability: 68% of consumers made more sustainable food choices in 2024. McDonald’s reports 86.7% sustainable packaging progress, while Starbucks has certified 9000+ Greener Stores. The sustainable food market is projected to exceed USD 120 billion by 2032.
4. Cloud Kitchens: The urban dwellers order food online weekly. Rebel Foods operates over 450 cloud kitchens, serving 5000 brands globally. Besides, robotics adoption in ghost kitchens increases efficiency.
5. Subscription Dining: 81% of Gen Z and 79% of Millennials would join restaurant subscriptions. The global food subscription market is projected to grow at a 9.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), reaching USD 11.61 billion by 2032.
6. Interactive Experiences: Consumers enjoy premium dining annually, driven by Gen Z and Millennials. Experiential concepts like Ultraviolet Shanghai and Malibu Barbie Cafe highlight immersive dining’s growth.
7. Food Delivery Integration: 70% of restaurants rely entirely on third-party apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash. Gen Z leads adoption. Additionally, 69% prefer delivery over dining in. Besides, the online food delivery market is projected at USD 505.50 billion by 2030.
8. Restaurant Robots: Robotics adoption is increasing, as operators struggle with staffing. Miso Robotics’ Flippy reduced setup time by 75%, while Bear Robotics raised USD 117 million for its Servi robot waiters. The restaurant service robot market is expected to reach USD 3.86 billion by 2030.
9. Cybersecurity: 80% of restaurant transactions are digital, heightening data risk. Breaches at Golden Corral and Chick-fil-A exposed customer data. Companies invest in PCI DSS compliance, AI-driven threat detection, and vulnerability scanning, with the global cybersecurity market projected to reach USD 351.92 billion by 2030.
10. Contactless Dining: Diners prefer paying via table-side device or phone. QR code scans surged 433% since 2021. The smart contactless menus market is projected to reach USD 5 billion by 2032.

Read on to explore each trend in depth – uncover key drivers, current market stats, cutting-edge innovations, and leading innovators shaping the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the biggest problem in the restaurant industry?

Staffing and workforce management continue to challenge restaurant operators. According to a Restaurant365 survey, 88% of restaurant leaders are experiencing rising staff expenses, and 32% identify recruitment and retention as their top challenge.

2. Which trend is currently emerging in the restaurant industry?

AI-powered personalization and automation are emerging. In the Deloitte 2025 survey, eight in 10 restaurant executives said their investments in AI technologies will increase in the next fiscal year.

Methodology: How We Created the Restaurant Industry Trend Report

For our trend reports, we leverage our proprietary StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering 7M+ global startups, 20K technologies & trends, plus 150M+ patents, news articles, and market reports.

Creating a report involves approximately 40 hours of analysis. We evaluate our own startup data and complement these insights with external research, including industry reports, news articles, and market analyses. This process enables us to identify the most impactful and latest trends in the restaurant industry.

For each trend, we select two exemplary startups that meet the following criteria:

• Relevance: Their product, technology, or solution aligns with the trend.
• Founding Year: Established between 2020 and 2025.
• Company Size: A maximum of 200 employees.
• Location: Specific geographic considerations.

This approach ensures our reports provide reliable, actionable insights into the restaurant industry innovation ecosystem while highlighting startups driving technological advancements in the industry.

Innovation Map outlines the Top 10 Future Trends in the Restaurant Industry & 20 Promising Startups

For this in-depth research on the Current Trends in the Restaurant Industry & Startups, we analyzed a sample of 7650+ global startups & scaleups. The Restaurant Industry Innovation Map, created from this data-driven research, allows you to improve strategic decision-making by giving you a comprehensive overview of the market trends in the restaurant industry & startups that impact your company.

Tree Map reveals the Impact of the Top 10 Trends in the Restaurant Industry

The restaurant industry is evolving as technology and shifting consumer preferences influence dining experiences. AI supports personalized menu suggestions, demand forecasting, and inventory control. At the same time, health-focused and customized meals are becoming more common, with restaurants adapting to dietary and lifestyle needs.

Cloud kitchens are expanding delivery-only models, which enable operators to reduce overhead. Subscription dining is emerging as a way to build recurring revenue and strengthen customer loyalty. Besides, restaurant robots are improving efficiency in kitchens and service areas.

Interactive dining features such as augmented reality (AR) menus and chef livestreams are increasing customer engagement. Moreover, contactless dining and cybersecurity tools are enhancing digital payments and protecting user data, while food delivery integration remains essential for scaling operations and retaining customers.

Global Startup Heat Map covers 7650+ Restaurant Industry Startups & Scaleups

The Global Startup Heat Map showcases the distribution of 7650+ exemplary restaurant industry startups and scaleups analyzed using the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform. It highlights high startup activity in the USA and India, followed by the UK. From these, 20 promising startups are featured below, selected based on factors like founding year, location, and funding.

Want to Explore Restaurant Industry Innovations & Trends?

Top 10 Emerging Restaurant Industry Trends [2026]

1. AI Integration: 79% of US Restaurants have Implemented or are Considering AI

Staffing shortages and rising wages are driving restaurants toward automation. In 2023, labor costs rose by 34% on average. Meanwhile, 60% of operators struggled to fill jobs, and 39% reported lost revenue due to understaffing in 2024.

AI tools enable the optimization of these large expenses, specifically inventory and labor. For instance, AI-based forecasting reduces waste by analyzing sales trends, weather, and local events.

In 2023 USA surveys, 41% of operators plan to use AI for sales forecasting. Another 33% already use AI to personalize customer experiences to improve efficiency and loyalty.

Operators are moving quickly from pilot programs to full-scale AI adoption. A 2024 Popmenu study found that 79% of USA restaurants have implemented or are considering AI across functions. These functions range from order-taking and food prep to marketing and back-office tasks.

Further, natural language AI has made automated ordering more practical. Today’s voice assistants process regional accents and complex orders with growing accuracy.

Wendy’s partnered with Google Cloud to launch FreshAi, a voice assistant for drive-thru lanes. The solution automates order-taking and suggests upsell items. The early trials in 2023 showed it saved an average of 22 seconds per order.

Restaurants are also using machine learning (ML) to forecast demand. By analyzing historical sales data alongside weather and event variables, AI models predict hourly foot traffic and preferred menu items.

Besides, Chick-fil-A applies ML to kitchen systems to monitor food freshness and safety.

Further, generative AI is gaining traction in the industry. Brands are using it to create recipes by analyzing flavor compounds. Others rely on it to write menu descriptions and promotional content.

The global AI market in food and beverages is projected to grow from USD 15.36 billion in 2025 to USD 263.80 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 37.30%.

Credit: Precedence Research

ADECI develops a Sales Forecasting Platform

Portuguese startup ADECI builds AI-powered forecasting software for restaurants and retail businesses. The platform analyzes historical sales data along with external factors such as weather, seasonality, holidays, and promotions. It predicts revenue, customer volume, and menu item demand for the next 31 days.

The startup integrates with point of sale (POS) and management systems to offer real-time insights into past, current, and projected performance. This visibility allows operators to plan inventory accurately and schedule staff based on expected demand.

ADECI’s platform also forecasts ingredient consumption, which reduces food waste and controls merchandise costs. These insights support better margin management and resource use.

Further, a team performance module tracks sales key performance indicators (KPIs) and motivates staff through tailored challenges. The operators monitor results across multiple stores and brands from a single dashboard.

Bronze offers AI for Kitchen Operations

Spanish startup Bronze develops AI-powered agents that verify restaurant orders in real time to improve accuracy before delivery.

The technology inspects each prepared order, identifies missing or incorrect items, and captures visual evidence to prevent disputes. It integrates with POS systems, delivery platforms, and aggregators, which allows operations to run automatically without new infrastructure.

It offers features such as image-based order verification, instant retrieval by order number or photo, and automated dispute resolution using documented evidence. The system also offers real-time dashboards, review filtering, and APIs that provide operational insights and verification data.

Restaurants activate these agents on existing devices to catch errors before dispatch, reduce revenue loss from false claims, and simplify order preparation.

2. Health-Conscious & Personalized Offerings: Preferred by 53% of Diners

According to a Toast poll conducted this year, many patrons believe that restaurants should have healthy menu options. 33% deems it very important, and 41% deems it somewhat important. Also, 53% of restaurant patrons actively seek out establishments with healthier menu options.

When dining out, 55% of customers indicate that the nutritional or health benefits influence their decision to order organic or healthful food. People are interested in diets like high-protein, low-carb regimens. 43% of diners desire that more restaurants offer high-protein options.

Fast-casual restaurants that provide personalized, healthful meals are also becoming popular.

Consumers view dining out as a convenient alternative to cooking at home, but they also want it on their own terms.

Hand in hand with healthier menus is the rise of personalization in dining. The restaurants are leveraging technology and data to tailor the dining experience to individual preferences.

Moreover, restaurant owners are raising their technology expenditures to improve productivity and customer satisfaction. These investments are concentrated on AI, customer data analytics, and digital ordering platforms.

According to the National Restaurant Association’s VP of Research and Knowledge, Dr. Chad Moutray, loyalty programs are what bring customers to according to 7 out of 10 restaurant owners in the last year. These initiatives are becoming more tailored and data-driven.

Major businesses are leading tech-enabled personalized dining. Smashburger, a burger chain with more than 200 locations, recently redesigned its loyalty program by employing AI-driven micro-segmentation of its customers.

Further, the market for health and wellness foods is expected to increase at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2024 to 2030, reaching USD 1.59 trillion.

Credit: Grand View Research

MyEatPal advances Meal Planning

UAE-based startup MyEatPal provides a meal planning platform that blends restaurant dishes with home-cooked recipes. It tailors plans to individual dietary needs and fitness goals.

The platform pulls options from over 80 restaurants and 200 recipes created by well-known contributors. It gives users meal plans with detailed macros and allows them to swap any dish to suit their preferences.

It connects with popular food delivery services, which makes it easy to order meals or select recipes for home cooking. Customers are able to choose between monthly and annual subscriptions.

MyEatPal enables users to stay on track with their lifestyle goals while enjoying meals they choose.

Taste Match creates a Social Restaurant App

Swiss startup Taste Match builds a social restaurant recommendation app that offers dining suggestions based on individual taste profiles.

It starts with a short, image-based quiz that captures preferences for cuisine, ambiance, and food trends. Then, an AI-driven algorithm recommends restaurants in cities like Basel, Bern, and Zurich, without using star ratings or sponsored listings.

The app includes verified reviews from users with similar tastes. It also allows collaborative restaurant selection with friends and supports direct table reservations.

Moreover, the app allows users to save favorite spots, follow curated lists from friends, chefs, and food bloggers, and explore local tips.

Taste Match gives personalized suggestions and community-driven insights that allow users to find restaurants that suit their preferences while connecting with others who share similar tastes.

3. Sustainability: Market to Exceed USD 120 B by 2032

With climate change affecting daily life for 85% of global consumers, awareness around food’s environmental impact is rising. Diners consider how their choices contribute to deforestation, carbon emissions, and plastic pollution.

A 2024 L.E.K. survey found that 68% of consumers made more sustainable food decisions in the past year. These include eating less meat, buying local produce, and avoiding highly processed items.

Governments are responding with new regulations. France’s Anti-Waste Law, effective January 2023, bans disposable plates, cups, and cutlery for dine-in customers at fast-food restaurants. This policy is expected to eliminate 200 000 tonnes of single-use waste annually.

Major chains are taking action. McDonald’s reached 86.7% of its goal to source all guest packaging from renewable, recycled, or certified materials by the end of 2023.

Restaurants are adopting software and AI to manage inventory and reduce waste. They use digital tools to track stock and reduce food waste. These systems forecast demand and alert staff before items spoil.

To reduce energy and water use, many restaurants are installing Internet of Things (IoT) devices and smart controls. Tools like smart thermostats, sensor-equipped appliances, and demand-controlled ventilation optimize resource consumption in real time.

Moreover, Starbucks continues to expand its Greener Stores initiative. By the end of last year, over 9000 stores worldwide were certified for sustainable practices across areas such as energy efficiency, water stewardship, and waste diversion.

The sustainable food market is projected to reach USD 120.54 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.91% from 2025 to 2032.

Credit: Introspective Market Research

Change2 simplifies Ecological Footprint Tracking

Italian startup Change2 offers the Environmental Indicators Tool, a platform that tracks the ecological footprint of meals served in restaurants. It analyzes ingredients and quantities using a database of over 2000 items and scientific emission factors. The tool calculates greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and land consumption based on the greenhouse gas (GHG) protocol.

Restaurants receive instant results through a sustainability dashboard that scans menus and links environmental impact data with revenue figures. This enables operators to understand the financial value of eco-friendly choices.

The tool also allows restaurants to benchmark performance, identify high-impact dishes, and adjust menus to improve sustainability without sacrificing profitability. Further, Change2 provides transparent insights that support responsible operations and attract environmentally conscious customers.

ClimateHound provides a Restaurant Sustainability Platform

US-based startup ClimateHound builds a sustainability management platform for restaurants. It measures, tracks, and allows businesses to reduce their carbon footprint by connecting with multiple tools and utility providers.

The platform automatically collects operational data, calculates emissions using the GHG Protocol, and monitors performance across energy use, emissions, and costs.

It combines these insights with expert guidance to create reduction strategies focused on return on investment. This supports decarbonization and improves operational efficiency.

ClimateHound also provides investor-grade reporting aligned with the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) frameworks. Restaurants share progress through a custom sustainability webpage embedded on their site or distributed externally.

4. Cloud Kitchens: 4B Food Delivery Orders in 2023 Alone

Convenient at-home dining is becoming popular among consumers. Urban dwellers globally now order meals online at least once per week. This contributed to a record 4 billion food delivery orders in 2023 on platforms worldwide.

Cloud kitchens function with reduced overhead than conventional restaurants, and it is a key driver. Compared to full-service restaurants, kitchen-only models save on operational costs by eliminating the need for a dining area and front-of-house employees. It reduces or eliminates expenses like prime real estate, interior design, and wait staff.

Moreover, companies accommodate a variety of cuisines and customer preferences from a single site since a single cloud kitchen facility holds many brands at once.

Rebel Foods is growing as the biggest multi-brand cloud cooking platform in the world. Over 5000 online restaurant brands are powered by the company’s 450+ cloud kitchens in India, the Middle East, and the UK.

AI-driven solutions for order management, ingredient tracking, and demand forecasting are implemented in ghost kitchens worldwide. Smart kitchens leverage algorithms to batch orders, manage inventories in real time, and even anticipate peak ordering periods so that employees plan accordingly.

Many cloud kitchens are incorporating robotics for food handling and preparation to further simplify production. Ghost kitchen operations in the USA are currently utilizing automated assembly lines or robotic cooking equipment to increase throughput. These devices perform repetitive activities like frying, bowl building, and burger flipping, and support human chefs.

Moreover, Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick’s venture CloudKitchens operates ghost kitchen facilities in many cities. The company has raised funding for its expansion. This includes a USD 850 million round in 2021, with backing from Microsoft. It valued CloudKitchens at around USD 15 billion.

Additionally, the global cloud kitchen market size is projected to reach USD 141.08 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.9% from 2025 to 2030.

Credit: Grand View Research

Mizanplus develops a Multi-brand Cloud Kitchen

Turkish startup Mizanplus builds a cloud kitchen platform that enables restaurants to launch virtual kitchens or shift existing operations toward delivery.

Its Ghost Kitchen Franchise model allows operators to manage up to 20 franchise brands from one location. It uses PaketMaster, a proprietary point of service (POS) and order management system. The KitchIN Kitchen model adds up to 10 Mizanplus brands to an existing business without requiring new infrastructure.

Further, PaketMaster centralizes incoming orders, updates menus in real time, and manages inventory to reduce errors. It also generates performance reports that support data-driven decisions for menu adjustments and marketing strategies.

The order management system enables bulk raw material ordering to simplify operations and reduce staffing needs. It supports multi-brand management and allows restaurants to achieve gross profit margins.

The Food Lab operates a Kitchen as a Service Platform

Egyptian startup The Food Lab runs a kitchen-as-a-service platform that allows restaurants and food brands in Egypt to grow their delivery reach without heavy capital investment. It combines cloud kitchens, supply chain management, cooking, last-mile delivery, aggregation services, and data analytics into one system.

The startup’s platform centralizes operational data to offer real-time reports, marketing insights, and performance recommendations. It also provides tools for menu development and customer engagement.

The platform pools resources, reduces costs, and supports data-driven decisions to improve profitability. It manages the food value chain to maintain consistent quality.

5. Subscription Dining: Global Market to Reach USD 11.61 B by 2032

Subscription dining, where restaurants offer paid memberships for perks, discounts, or select menu items, is becoming more common across the industry.

National Restaurant Association survey shows 81% of Gen Z and 79% of Millennials would join a meal subscription program if available. Gen X shows moderate interest at 71%, while only 48% of Baby Boomers express willingness to participate.

However, broader consumer interest remains limited. The PYMNTS Intelligence study found that only 17% of consumers are highly interested in restaurant subscriptions, while a majority (58%) reported low interest. Despite this, subscribers tend to be more loyal. The research shows 78% of subscribers and 73% of potential subscribers feel very loyal to their favorite quick-service restaurant. In contrast, only 41% of non-subscribers report similar loyalty.

Restaurant operators are responding to these loyalty trends. They plan to launch new revenue streams, like subscriptions or meal kits, within the next year.

Panera Bread introduced its Unlimited Sip Club in 2020. The program began with coffee and later expanded to include all self-serve beverages. For about USD 11.99 per month, members receive unlimited drinks. The company reports that subscribers make up roughly 25% of all transactions across its 2100+ locations.

Taco Bell has tested limited-time subscriptions like the Taco Lover’s Pass and Nacho Fries Pass. These programs offer one free item per day for 30 days, priced around USD 10. After successful trials in 2022, Taco Bell revived the passes in 2023. Interestingly, only 12% of customers subscribed to both passes. This suggests each program appeals to a distinct group, taco fans versus fries enthusiasts. These niche subscriptions also increase sales.

When Taco Bell offered the Nacho Fries pass, average check sizes also increased. Subscribers often added more items to their orders. Taco Bell’s Chief Digital Officer noted that “The trend confirms the brand’s strategy of providing a ‘unique digital experience‘ for different kinds of customers depending on their preferences.”

Additionally, on a broader scale, the global food subscription market is projected to grow from USD 6.11 billion in 2025 to USD 11.61 billion by 2032. This reflects a CAGR of 9.61%.

Credit: Coherent Market Insights

PizzaBox makes Pizza Subscription Software

PizzaBox is a US-based startup that offers a subscription management platform for pizzerias to build and manage membership programs.

The platform lets restaurants create pizza subscription plans using pre-built or customizable options. These plans may include daily slices, weekly discounts, or prepaid bundles.

The startup integrates with existing websites and point-of-sale systems. Besides, it also operates independently. It allows customers to subscribe, pay, and redeem offers through automated billing, fraud protection, and smart redemption tools.

Further, PizzaBox’s platform includes marketing features such as email, SMS, and social media campaigns. It also provides analytics to track revenue and customer engagement.

Foodie Card creates a Restaurant Rewards Card

US-based startup Foodie Card offers a restaurant discount membership that provides 10% off for dine-in and pickup at participating locations.

The members use their card at partnered restaurants to lower dining costs and earn reward points with each visit. These points are redeemed for gift cards from retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart, encouraging regular use.

The program also includes a social impact component. For every card purchased, Foodie Card donates a meal to someone in need. This approach links personal savings with community support.

6. Interactive Experiences: Restaurant Digitization to Hit USD 29.6 B by 2032

Diners today expect more than a meal; they seek immersive experiences. They want options like chef’s tables, themed events, or interactive culinary formats.

Consumers enjoy a premium or unique dining experience at least once a year. Gen Z and Millennial diners show particular interest in concepts such as tasting menus and dinner theater.

Social media plays a key role in driving this trend. An OpenTable poll revealed that 87% of diners have visited a restaurant after seeing it online. The visual appeal and shareable moments influence dining decisions.

Technology continues to shape the dining experience. Digital menu tablets and QR codes became standard during the pandemic and remain in use. Some restaurants offer AR menus, which allow guests to view dishes in 3D before ordering.

Virtual reality (VR) is still emerging but shows promise. VR dining transports guests to virtual rooftops in Paris or vineyards in Tuscany. It also offers remote diners a chance to sit in a restaurant from home.

Closer to mainstream adoption, many chains have introduced tabletop devices and kiosks to enhance in-restaurant engagement.

For example, experiential dining includes Ultraviolet in Shanghai, which seats ten guests at a single table. The restaurant uses projection mapping, soundtracks, and scent diffusion to pair each course with a unique sensory environment.

In New York, the Malibu Barbie Cafe pop-up in 2023 offered themed food and decor. Guests could pose inside a life-size Barbie box, blending nostalgia with social media appeal.

The restaurant digitalization market is projected to reach USD 29.6 billion by 2032. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.3% from 2023 to 2032.

Credit: market.us

WineView provides Interactive Wine Lists

US-based startup WineView develops a wine management platform for restaurants, wine bars, retail shops, and wineries.

The platform combines digital wine lists, staff training modules, and wine club management into a single system. It provides interactive wine lists that allow guests to search offerings, learn about wines, and make informed choices.

WineView integrates with POS systems to support inventory tracking and program management. This setup improves operational efficiency and simplifies wine list updates.

It also includes structured training modules that build staff knowledge and confidence. Further, the wine club feature offers marketing tools, recurring billing, and member management to support repeat revenue.

Chek Menu advances Interactive Dining

South African startup Chek Menu builds a digital dining platform to improve restaurant service and guest interaction.

The platform lets diners scan a table-side QR code to access a visual, image-rich menu. The guests are able to filter options by dietary needs, cuisine type, or mood and customize their orders.

It includes a discreet Call Waiter feature that allows guests to request assistance without disrupting their experience. This maintains smooth and responsive service.

For restaurants, Chek Menu offers a real-time analytics dashboard. It also tracks customer preferences and behaviors, which allows them to refine menu choices and improve operations.

7. Food Delivery Integration: A USD 505 B Market by 2030

Consumers expect the convenience of meals delivered to their door. Over half of Americans consider takeout and delivery essential to their lifestyle. They enjoy eating at home for comfort, while they order in for convenience.

Younger generations are driving this shift. Recent surveys show that 44% of Gen Z and Millennials order from food delivery apps at least once a week. In contrast, only about 10% of Baby Boomers do the same. Notably, 69% of Gen Z prefer delivery over dining in, which makes them the most delivery-oriented group.

Credit: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Most restaurants depend on third-party apps. About 70% rely entirely on platforms like Uber Eats or DoorDash, whereas only 8% continue to manage delivery in-house with their own drivers.

To manage rising delivery volumes, many restaurants use integration software. These tools consolidate multiple platforms into one interface. It is common for POS systems to link directly with delivery apps. For example, Dough Boys Pizza Co. processes orders from Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub through a single POS system to reduce the need for multiple tablets.

Digital delivery channels also provide valuable customer data. Restaurants use this data to personalize marketing and refine menus. Further, leveraging analytics highlights popular items and guides menu changes.

The global online food delivery market is projected to reach USD 505.50 billion by 2030. Analysts expect a CAGR of 9.4% from 2025 to 2030, driven by smartphone adoption and internet access.

Credit: Grand View Research

WAAYU builds a Zero-Commission Food Delivery App

Indian startup WAAYU offers a zero-commission food delivery app connecting customers with well-known local restaurants.

The app lets users browse over 3000 restaurants and 900 000 menu items. It provides price comparisons, real-time order tracking, and multiple payment options, including unified payment interface (UPI), wallets, cards, and cash on delivery.

WAAYU integrates with networks like ONDC and partner apps to extend restaurant visibility. It also retains in-restaurant takeaway pricing and makes meals more affordable than traditional aggregators.

GetOrder develops a Food Delivery POS Hub

Ukrainian startup GetOrder builds an integration platform to connect restaurant POS systems with food delivery services.

The platform links services like Glovo, Wolt, Bolt Food, and Uber Eats directly to a restaurant’s POS. This connection enables instant order creation, automatic menu updates, and real-time changes to pricing and availability.

The platform also manages stop lists and eliminates manual data entry. By syncing orders across channels, it reduces errors and prevents delays.

Users to activate integrations, manage catalogs, and access detailed order analytics through a unified control panel. The platform further allows restaurants to launch an online store, create a QR menu, and deploy a branded mobile app.

8. Restaurant Robots: Service Robot Market to Reach USD 3.86 B by 2030

The main factors pushing restaurants toward automation are labor scarcity and growing expenses. Restaurant proprietors have found it difficult to staff their establishments, despite the post-pandemic recovery in eating demand.

Beyond issues with staffing, efficiency is essential in the food service industry due to narrow profit margins. Since labor usually makes up 25-35% of restaurant costs, innovations that increase productivity or decrease labor requirements have a big impact on the bottom line. Robots offer to work continuously, as well as eliminate schedule conflicts and the need for overtime compensation.

The bots are more intelligent, quicker, and less expensive than those of the past. For instance, Miso Robotics debuted a Flippy kitchen robot that is twice as fast and half as big as previous models in January 2025. It is able to fry and grill several foods with AI accuracy and is easily set up in a kitchen in a few hours, which is a 75% faster setup time.

Some delivery robots now have full autonomy, which is level 4 self-driving in geo-fenced regions and all-day battery life. Uber Eats deploys Serve Robotics units that run for more than 12 hours and carry numerous pizzas at 11 mph.

Moreover, LG Electronics acquired a 51% stake in Bear Robotics in early 2023 to increase its presence in the restaurant robotics market. Bear Robotics, known for its Servi robot waiters, had already raised over USD 117 million, including a USD 81 million round, and deployed units across thousands of restaurants globally.

In the fast-food sector, McDonald’s opened a largely automated test restaurant in Texas, near Fort Worth. Debuted in late 2022 and still operational, this prototype location uses conveyor belts, self-service kiosks, and minimal human staff to deliver meals to drive-thru and takeout customers.

Tesla’s retro-styled diner in Los Angeles, opened in 2025, creates a unique destination that combines food, entertainment, and electric vehicle charging.

The global restaurant delivery robots market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24.10% from 2024 to 2032, reaching USD 99.64 billion, according to MRFR Analysis.

Credit: Market Research Future

Also, by the end of 2030, the global restaurant service robot market is expected to grow to USD 3.86 billion. The market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 17% during the 2024-2030 projection period.

Oscar Robotics manufactures Server Assistant Robots

Canadian startup Oscar Robotics develops autonomous Server Assistant Robots to support restaurant staff and improve service efficiency.

These robots transport dishes and trays through dining areas without human guidance. They use an agile movement system to navigate around obstacles and serve multiple tables in one trip.

Each robot increases a server’s carrying capacity from three to eleven plates. This increase aids in speeding up service, improving table turnover, and expanding revenue opportunities.

For staff, the robots reduce trips and physical load. This decrease lowers strain and injury risk, which improves retention and workplace well-being.

For guests, the robots add a unique experience. They contribute to high satisfaction rates, encourage repeat visits, and offer promotional display options for added revenue.

Aniai creates a Robotic Kitchen

US-based startup Aniai builds Alpha Grill, an AI-powered robotic kitchen system to automate high-volume hamburger cooking.

Alpha Grill uses a double-sided grill to cook up to eight patties at once, reaching a capacity of 200 patties per hour. This design cuts cooking time in half and reduces labor needs.

The system includes Alpha Cloud, a cloud-based AI feature that relies on real-time vision sensors. These sensors monitor patty color, assess doneness, and verify quality against preset standards.

This automation lowers food waste, reduces operating costs, and maintains consistency without changing existing kitchen workflows.

Aniai combines robotics, precision cooking, and data oversight for restaurants to manage labor shortages and increase production.

9. Cybersecurity: Global Market to Reach USD 351.92 B by 2030

Several industry-wide shifts are increasing the need for stronger cybersecurity in restaurants. One major factor is the digital transformation of dining. Restaurants rely heavily on online ordering, digital payments, and app-based services. Today, 80% of restaurant transactions occur through digital channels such as cards, mobile pay, or apps. As a result, the attack surface for hackers has expanded.

Workforce dynamics also contribute to cybersecurity challenges. Restaurants often experience high staff turnover and employ younger or seasonal workers with limited training. Attackers exploit this through phishing emails and fake IT support calls.

In late 2023, Golden Corral experienced a data breach that exposed personal information of over 183 000 individuals. The attackers accessed the company’s systems over four days and extracted sensitive data. This includes social security numbers, driver’s license details, financial account information, and health insurance records.

Restaurant apps and loyalty programs have become frequent targets. In one case, Chick-fil-A confirmed that hackers breached its Chick-fil-A One mobile app accounts. Using a credential stuffing attack, they accessed over 71 000 customer profiles by reusing stolen passwords from other leaks.

To respond, restaurants are exploring AI-driven security tools that detect anomalies in network traffic and flag suspicious transactions in real time. These tools allow for the identification of threats before they escalate.

Modern restaurants also deploy IoT devices, from kitchen sensors and smart appliances to customer-facing tablets and kiosks. Each connected device introduces potential vulnerabilities. A recent analysis found over 95 000 known security flaws across hospitality systems, with 3800+ classified as critical. Many stem from unpatched IoT devices or outdated software.

To address these risks, the industry is focusing on Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance. It is suitable for payment systems, network segmentation to isolate sensitive data, and regular vulnerability scans to identify weaknesses early.

According to the National Restaurant Association, 43% of full-service operators and 31% of limited-service operators plan to invest in cybersecurity improvements.

On a broader scale, the global cybersecurity market size is estimated at USD 227.59 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 351.92 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2025 to 2030.

Credit: Markets and Markets

SensCy provides Cybersecurity Risk Assessments

US-based startup SensCy offers a cybersecurity concierge platform for small and medium-sized organizations.

The platform begins with the SensCy Score, a NIST-based assessment that rates an organization’s cybersecurity posture on a 1000-point scale. The evaluation takes less than 30 minutes and provides a prioritized roadmap to reach a target score of 800 or higher.

Each client works with a dedicated cyber risk advocate. This advisor explains the assessment results and aids in implementing customized security improvements.

SensCy combines continuous vulnerability scanning, patch management, phishing simulations, and employee training. Further, the platform’s centralized dashboard tracks progress and monitors risk levels in real time.

Unlike managed service providers (MSPs) that focus broadly on IT, the startup specializes in cybersecurity. It complements existing IT support by identifying best-practice gaps and strengthening defenses.

Moreover, the platform suits foodservice businesses that often lack full-time security staff. SensCy also addresses risks such as POS system breaches, phishing attacks on staff accounts, and ransomware threats.

Blueshift Cybersecurity offers AI-powered Security Operations

US-based startup Blueshift Cybersecurity creates an AI-powered managed XDR platform that unifies threat detection, response, and compliance within a single security operations framework.

Its True XDR architecture enables full visibility by storing unlimited security event logs in an on-premises data lake. Advanced SOAR automates threat detection, blocking, and remediation using AI-driven anomaly analysis, threat intelligence, and deception tools.

Blueshift Cybersecurity integrates with widely used security and productivity platforms, including Office 365, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Okta, Cisco DUO, and Salesforce.

Its features include vulnerability tracking with remediation guidance, monitoring of known exploited threats, and real-time dashboards that highlight actionable alerts.

For restaurant groups managing multiple outlets and payment card industry (PCI) payment data, the startup’s platform mitigates POS malware, insider threats, and network intrusions.

10. Contactless Dining: Contactless Menus Market to Reach USD 5 B by 2032

From QR code menus to mobile payments, restaurants are adapting contactless technology to meet consumer expectations for speed, convenience, and safety.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced QR code menus and touch-free payments as safety measures. These tools have remained popular due to their convenience. The global QR code scans in 2025 are 433% higher than in 2021.

Modern diners value speed and efficiency. Contactless payments save time, tapping a card or phone reduces over 10 seconds per transaction compared to swiping or using cash. These savings add up in busy cafes.

Mobile ordering also simplifies food pickup and delivery. A National Restaurant Association study found that 79% of off-premises customers expect to order and pay online. If that option isn’t available, many will choose another restaurant.

The technology has become more accessible. Most new credit cards support contactless payments.

Restaurants are adapting by equipping servers with portable card readers or encouraging guests to pay via their own devices. In full-service settings, diners prefer to pay through a table-side device or phone. Many restaurants now place QR code bill pay stickers on tables or checks to support this preference.

Kiosks extend the contactless experience for walk-in guests. These systems often include loyalty program integration and AI-powered menu suggestions.

Fast-casual chains like Panera Bread and Chili’s use tabletop tablets and QR systems to let guests order refills or pay when ready. This speeds up table turnover and increases tip averages.

Quick-service brands have also embraced contactless tech. Wendy’s and Taco Bell offer app-based ordering and payment, while McDonald’s has installed thousands of self-service kiosks worldwide.

Additionally, the global smart contactless menus market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20% from 2025 to 2033, reaching USD 5 billion by 2032.

Choice offers a Contactless Dining Suite

Czech Republic-based startup Choice provides a unified digital platform for restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and ghost kitchens.

It integrates website creation, QR menus, ordering, payments, reservations, delivery, customer relationship management (CRM), and loyalty tools. It connects each service, such as contactless ordering, table payments, delivery management, and reservation scheduling, directly to the POS system. This setup ensures real-time synchronization, automated updates, and smoother operations.

The platform includes features, like a QR menu with auto-translation in 99 languages, commission-free delivery and takeaway, and real-time cloud marketplace integration. It also offers automated upselling and marketing tools based on customer data.

Yalla Order delivers QR & NFC-powered Ordering & Payments

UAE-based startup Yalla Order builds a mobile ordering system that lets guests scan a table-specific QR code or tap near field communication (NFC) to browse menus, place orders, and pay. They are able to do so, all without downloading an app. And, the process takes less than 60 seconds.

The mobile ordering system sends orders directly to the kitchen, bar, or POS through a real-time dashboard. This eliminates manual entry, reduces errors, and gives staff live tracking for order fulfillment.

Further, it uses AI-powered upselling to suggest complementary items and supports multi-floor or multi-room venues with customized order routing. The system accepts payments via Apple Pay, Google Pay, cards, and local gateways.

Yalla Order also enables venue-specific QR codes for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery. It offers high-quality menu displays and built-in access control for different service types.

Moreover, the system turns each table into a self-service station and allows restaurants, cafes, hotels, and arenas to simplify operations. It also increases ticket sizes, reduces staff workload, and improves service speed.

Discover all Restaurant Industry Trends, Technologies & Startups

Restaurants are adopting new technologies to remain competitive. Generative AI supports menu development, while smart kitchen analytics and voice-activated ordering improve efficiency. At the same time, zero-waste kitchens and blockchain-based sourcing increase transparency and reduce waste. Together, these trends are shaping a new phase of dining, more automated, more immersive, and tailored to individual preferences.

The Restaurant Industry Trends & Startups outlined in this report only scratch the surface of trends that we identified during our data-driven innovation & startup scouting process. Identifying new opportunities & emerging technologies to implement into your business goes a long way in gaining a competitive advantage.