When asked what they do when they’re stuck, creatively speaking, 34% of readers of restaurant development + design magazine said they go visit restaurants and other hospitality spaces for inspiration, by far the top suggestion in a survey fielded in December 2025.
Other go-to strategies to reconnect with inspiration included travel or exploring new environments (25%), collaborating with colleague (18%) and reviewing design publications and social media platforms (14%).
Suggestions from the 9% that said “other” include experimenting with new mediums, “stepping away” for some time before returning with a fresh eye, and “reassessing priorities and focusing on the end goal.” One respondent offered some unconventional advice: “…a long shower always relaxes me and allows my creative flow to flourish…!”
rd+d regularly surveys subscribers on the state of restaurant development and design. This survey was fielded in December 2025. Subscribe to The Pulse to get rd+d’s surveys and results delivered to your inbox six times a year and to contribute your opinions to the surveys.
