Technomic Report Spotlights Coming Restaurant Trends

Technomic’s State of the Menu report is out with its observations and predictions on restaurant menu trends and insights into best-in-class, limited-time offers.

The report says foodservice operators should expect to continue facing industry challenges for the foreseeable future and describes how leading restaurant operators are finding ways to innovate amid ongoing labor and supply constraints. Consumers are looking for fresh takes on familiar items and operators are finding creative ways to make classic dishes more exciting.

“Looking at the past year in review is essential to see what trends are influencing the foodservice industry, especially with the impact the pandemic has had on these menus,” said Katie Belflower, menu analyst at Technomic. “With insights derived from data and analysis, we can provide recommended actions to help industry professionals leverage these trends and key themes.”

Key findings include:

-Chicken continues to dominate limited-service restaurants (LSR) menus for lunch and dinner and has found a growing new usage application in bowls, up 30.8% year-over-year

-Breakfast value meals rise to the top of the fastest-growing full-service restaurant (FSR) breakfast dishes, with a year-over-year growth of 225%

-Non-alcohol beverages dominate breakfast items, with a 31.5% LSR operator penetration rate

The new report is part of Technomic’s Ignite Menu platform. For more information on the Ignite, visit technomic.com