Restaurants today are not like they used to be. Many are incorporating cutting-edge technology and design to entice patrons and stand out from the crowd. Here we look at 5 ways dining as we know it is changing for good.
Americans are officially spending more money on dining out than they do on groceries. As the popularity of dining out increases, the ways business owners are attempting to stay ahead of the game are getting more complex every day. Let’s take a look at five ways dining is changing for better or for worse, in today’s industry.
1. Increasing Popularity in Lifestyle Centers
Lifestyle centers are commercial developments that combine a traditional shopping mall with leisure amenities, workout centers, and apartment complexes. As online shopping lessens the need for the traditional high-end retail centers, developers are turning to businesses that offer services that can’t be bought over the internet. Specifically, they are seeking out unique dining facilities to put even more options “in the face” of their demographic. The idea is to target an upscale demographic before they move to a fully online shopping experience and a unique restaurant can be a big draw to that end.
Lifestyle centers offer a “mini community” that adheres to the new trends in dining/shopping while showcasing a variety of new businesses and restaurants.
2. Owners With More Creative Control
Restaurant owners now have more creative control over the design of their buildings. Developers are noticing that lifestyle centers that focus on sleek design and innovative ideas are driving profits and want business/restaurant owners to explore and experiment. When the owners hire a retail construction company like Horizon Retail Construction, they are given more creative control over the building process. This is because they know the owner is experienced and knows how to optimize their restaurant to bring in the most customers. The design of the restaurant is no longer there simply for aesthetics; it becomes a crucial aspect of the business.
3. Artwork Being Used to Wow Diners
Part of the reason people eat out is the atmosphere. Artwork can help create a unique feel to a restaurant while giving diners a reason to remember it. Owners are now incorporating various types of art to give their restaurants an original vibe that will help them stand out.
4. Cutting Edge Technology Appearing
Now more than ever, technology is being used to give owners a leg up on the competition. Lighting is one area where this has been noticeable. Restaurants are now implementing technology that allows them to adjust the lighting to match the time of day, like automated LED lamps. Additionally, new acoustic materials are being used to prevent diners from being over saturated with the noise of conversations around them.
5. Emphasis on Quality
While the design and aesthetic aspects of new restaurants are enhancing the dining experience, new ventures are being careful not to skimp on quality. There are many ways customers can review a restaurant today, so savvy diners can quickly sort out which restaurants are all fluff, and which ones actually serve quality food. The quality of the product is the number one deciding factor determining the longevity of a new restaurant. Remember, though – even if the food is amazing, a poorly designed restaurant with a basic and boring design template can still go belly up.
It takes all of these aspects to make a restaurant successful. Owners are changing the dining game by catering to younger generations and making it more convenient to pay and receive food quickly. While the full service restaurants you know and love are still around and more than likely not leaving anytime soon, the urban dining experience is rapidly evolving and will likely continue to do so as trends and tastes further evolve.