When asked to look beyond 2025 and speculate about where the focus of the restaurant of the future should be, 34% of restaurant development + design readers said personalization and customization, per a survey the magazine fielded in October.
Coming in a distant second with 25% of readers was automation, including robotics and AI. Sustainability was a close third, with 24% of respondents saying it would influence everything from buildouts to operations.
Another 15% of readers felt that the restaurants of the future will have a focus on communal and multi-purpose spaces like food halls and “eatertainment” venues, where restaurants are part of a mix of activities under a given roof.
Just 2% said “other” or “I don’t know.”
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.