In a pulse survey fielded in October, restaurant development + design magazine readers were split on what they think will be the top restaurant design trend of 2025.
Flexible spaces that can generate revenue in off hours emerged as the top trend, with 29% of participating rd+d readers selecting it. Coming in second with 24% of the vote, was experiential and immersive dining experiences. Another 22% or readers surveyed said robotics and automation designed to curb labor costs would be the top design-related trend of 2025.
Trailing behind in fourth place with 13% of readers was the burgeoning trend of private clubs and similarly themed communal spaces. Drive-thru restaurants remain a hot trend and 10% of rd+d readers felt that will be the case in 2025.
Finally, just 2% said the top trend would be an unnamed “other” or new thing entirely.
rd+d periodically surveys subscribers on the state of restaurant development and design. This survey was fielded in October 2024. Subscribe to The Pulse to get rd+d’s surveys and results delivered to your inbox six times a year.