rd+d - research

Readers Predict Moderate Growth for 2026

When asked what their company’s growth outlook is for 2026, 49% of restaurant development + design readers predict “moderate growth,” per a survey fielded in October.

Which Design Trend Had the Greatest Impact on Restaurant Projects in 2025?

In a reader survey fielded in October, restaurant development + design magazine asked readers what design trend had the greatest impact on restaurant projects in 2025. The open-ended responses ranged from cheeky to sincere. Here's what they said.

Costs of Construction Tops Concerns for 2026

The cost of construction and materials will be the most important factor in how operators allocate their budgets in 2026, according to 51% of restaurant development + design readers.

Readers Report Stable to Moderate Growth in 2025

In a survey fielded in October, 36% of readers of restaurant development + design magazine reported moderate growth in their companies in 2025.

Rising Costs Named Biggest Challenge of 2025

Rising construction and materials costs were the biggest challenge in 2025 for 30% of readers of restaurant development + design magazine, according to a survey fielded in October.

What’s the Next Big Thing in Restaurant Design?

In a reader survey fielded in October, restaurant development + design magazine asked readers to describe The Next Big Thing in restaurant design. Here's how respondents answered.

Are Readers Optimistic or Pessimistic About the Economy?

When asked what their outlook was like for the remainder of 2025, 51% of restaurant development + design readers said they were optimistic and felt indicators were trending in the right direction.

Where Have Restaurant Operators Put Investment Capital in 2025?

When asked where they had seen the greatest amount of operator investment so far in 2025, restaurant and development + design readers were split.

Is Business in 2025 Better or Worse Than Projected?

Just 36% of restaurant development + design readers surveyed in June said that business so far in 2025 was better than they had projected it to be. Another 19% said it was as good as they had projected it to be.

Tariff War Creates Headaches and Holds

When asked how the tariff chaos of the first part of 2025 has affected their work life, 44% of restaurant development + design readers said it has been difficult or complicated to navigate.

Readers Report Business is Down or Flat in 2025

In a survey fielded in June to restaurant development + design magazine readers, 55% said that business is down or flat so far in 2025.

Readers Weigh in on 2025 Woes

Readers of restaurant development + design were split on what their biggest challenge at work is right now — but staffing and inflation were key concerns.

What’s Going on With Restaurant Bathrooms in 2025?

The state of the bathroom is often a clue to how well (or how poorly) a restaurant is run.

What Can Designers Do to Combat Loud Restaurant Complaints?

We asked restaurant development + design readers what steps they take to ensure restaurants they work on are lively but not too loud.

Are Restaurant Project Timelines Longer Post-Pandemic?

Have restaurant project timelines changed five years out from the start of the pandemic era?

Readers Weigh In: How to Keep Budgets in Check

When asked how to keep budgets in check, readers of restaurant development + design had a mix of answers.

Restaurant Designers Name Biggest Pet Peeves

Most consumer surveys note that poor acoustics and dirty bathrooms are diners’ biggest complaints about restaurant spaces, but what about the designers themselves?

Are Declining Alcohol Sales Affecting Bar Design?

The news of declining alcohol sales made headlines recently — and signals a broader trend related to a rise in nonalcoholic offerings at bars and restaurants. To find out what that means for bar design, restaurant development + design asked readers.

Spring is here! Is Outdoor Dining Still Hot in 2025?

restaurant development + design readers overwhelmingly agreed it’s not going anywhere.

Nontraditional Locations Driving Restaurant Development in 2025

A total of 39% of restaurant development + design readers said format innovations — including nontraditional locations — will be a top development driver in 2025.