What’s hot in restaurant design right now? A few trends continue to remain popular, but flexibility and community are driving a lot of design decisions, per a restaurant development + design pulse survey fielded in August. Note that readers could select multiple trends.
The top trend with readers — per 36% of survey respondents — was “flexible spaces” that can help generate revenue during low-traffic hours.
Communal spaces came in second overall with 33% of respondents selecting this option. Communal spaces were defined as “eatertainment” venues, food halls, and clubs (public and private) of all types.
In third place with 29% of the survey tally was outdoor dining — it’s a hot pandemic trend that’s not going anywhere.
Reduced tech — customers want a human touch at restaurants — garnered 17% of the survey results. Drive-thrus were the next hottest trend with 16% of the vote. Storytelling in design and “intrigue” (hidden elements, including speakeasies) tied with 13% of survey respondents.
A small number, 7%, suggested the following in the “other” category: grab-and-go, takeout, and draft or craft beverage stations.
rd+d periodically surveys subscribers on the state of restaurant development and design. This survey was fielded in August 2024. Subscribe to The Pulse to get rd+d’s surveys and results delivered to your inbox six times a year.