US Foodservice Disruptors Market Report 2024

Accelerate your insight strategy with this in-depth report on foodservice disruptors in the US. Pulling together extensive research, wide industry knowledge, and key data points, Mintel’s foodservice industry expertise delivers everything you need to know about the evolving disruptive restaurant landscape.

US Foodservice Disruptors – Current Landscape

Diners’ perspective on disruptive restaurant technologies is complicated. They prioritize and appreciate consistency, speed, and convenience, yet they are wary of technology in foodservice that feels too unfamiliar or invasive. They appreciate technology like personalized suggestions but are cautious about privacy concerns and app fatigue. Innovations in the restaurant industry that make off-premise dining more accessible and convenient are popular with diners, yet half of consumers feel technology is ruining hospitality.

Foodservice is undergoing a transformation, and as more of the consumer journey moves to digital interfaces, operators are tasked with navigating the divide between consumer needs and tech innovations. The grounding element in this rapidly changing landscape is technology that enriches rather than dominates the dining experience. Consumers still want to be able to choose between fast, efficient dining or a slower, experiential meal, gain awareness about how restaurants handle food as well as data, and access a personalized experience at value.

The main challenge that restaurants face is balancing the introduction of advanced technologies with the inherent warmth and personal touch of dining. Operators must prioritize staying agile, integrating innovations that genuinely add value while maintaining the essence of hospitality.

US Foodservice Market Statistics

• Consumer attitudes toward innovation in the restaurant industry: Invasive technologies in restaurants are unappealing to most. Importantly, there is a noticeable limit to how much consumers are willing to sacrifice for convenience: personalization is desired with 30% seeking tailored order suggestions, but robot servers and face and voice recognition are met with cautious curiosity. Most will need convincing.
• Restaurant industry disruptors and the use of AI: Restaurants are bringing AI into their operational frameworks, with figures showing increased use across some areas over the past year, and 35% of non-users wanting to integrate it. Quick service restaurants (QSRs) and fast casuals are using AI for customer engagement through loyalty programs and tailored sales strategies. There is a trend of operators deploying AI intentionally and strategically, but a slight overall decline suggests customer-facing AI solutions still need refining.
• The changing role of technology in foodservice: High-tech trashcan equipment providers like Leanpath Inc, Winnow Solutions Ltd. and Orbisk B.V. are giving retailers solutions to reduce food waste. AI will also help to correct ordering and portion sizing for restaurants. For example, unfinished fries on Carnival’s cruise ships led them to revisit the size of the serving. AI waste solutions look to make kitchens smarter and impact efficiency in cost and operations.

US Foodservice Disruptors Market Report – What’s Inside?

Key Topics Analyzed in the Report

• Consumer interest in and usage of disruptive restaurant technologies
• Attitudes toward disruptive foodservice concepts
• Updates on disruptive concepts launched in the past
• How technology is redefining hospitality

Meet the Expert Behind the Analysis

This report was written by Varchasvi. Varchasvi joined Mintel in 2021 as an Analyst for US Foodservice and Mintel Menu Insights. Prior to joining Mintel, she completed her MBA from the University of Notre Dame with concentrations in Marketing and Strategy.

Diners are seeking transparency and reassurance that technologies will enhance the restaurant experience while retaining its fundamental warmth and personal touch.

Varchasvi
Research Analyst