January 2023

As industry leaders, it’s our responsibility here at Elkay Interior Systems to not only lead the commercial interior design industry, but to also allow others an inside look at the trends we’re forecasting for the coming year. These changes have restaurant brands pivoting, adapting, and rolling with whatever comes their way like never before, and that’s because everything has changed. Our routines, the way we interact with friends, and so much more. Brands are simply trying to evolve and stay relevant during this new consumer era.  

We studied the habits of restaurant goers over the past few years, and we learned everything we could about their wants, needs, and desires. We’ve put our findings in an eBook, but here’s a recap of what we gained from that research.  

Design trends 

We found most consumers are seeking convenience, flexible and unique spaces, authenticity, but most importantly, an experience. To accommodate some of these trends, brands are adding outdoor spaces with curved and bubbly furniture to add flexibility to a customer’s dining experience and to also add a sense of calmness from the rounded items. (Studies have shown curves and round shapes make us happier.)  

We’ll also see a push towards either minimalism, clean and simple environments with little décor, or maximalism, bold colors with eclectic design. They both offer great spaces – the design must be done correctly for each to work.  

Technology 

Technology has found its way in and outside of restaurants over the years, and some may argue COVID-19 accelerated its presence in the restaurant industry. Though some view new tech as a trend, things like mobile apps and robots are here to stay.  

We’ll also start to see new sustainable technology, including biomimicry and bio fabrication. Biomimicry is the making of materials, structures, and systems modeled off organic and natural processes while bio fabrication consists of components grown using natural processes.  

Consumer trends 

When it comes to the trends of current consumers, they don’t simply want to eat and leave when visiting a restaurant – they want a full, Instagram-worthy experience. Brands are introducing “hashtag-worthy” backdrops, environments, or focal walls in their interiors, often with faux greenery or fun graphics, enticing patrons to snap photos and post. Consumers are also craving spaces to connect with friends and family after time apart.  

Operational trends 

Micro kitchens and ghost kitchens will continue to be trends in 2023, as they produce a much smaller footprint. These kitchens are often used as coworking spaces for multiple restaurants, requiring fewer start-up and staffing costs but usually only have enough space for pick-up or delivery orders. But, if online ordering continues, we’ll see ghost kitchens increase in popularity. e  

Sustainability  

Sustainability is a massive trend this year and will probably continue through the unforeseeable future. Restaurant goers care about where their favorite brands get their materials from, and ensuring these materials are sustainable is a huge factor in where customers choose to eat. Many brands are upcycling or installing zero-waste items, and brands like Starbucks are even eliminating plastic items such as straws. Other companies are vowing for more sustainable manufacturing, delivery, and day-to-day operations.   

New consumers value sustainable living, and not only will a brand’s reputation improve if they display sustainability efforts, but their profits will also increase. We’ll see a big push towards carbon negative materials in 2023, starting with certain companies finding ways to reduce the negative environmental impact of concrete and other common unsustainable materials.  

Food and health 

Food is becoming a wellness category, and consumers want to see restaurants follow suit. Right now, consumers and brands alike know it’s about reducing carbon footprint, and choosing locally sourced ingredients is a place to start. The farm to fork movement has been around since the 1960s, but its popularity is growing so quickly even restaurateurs are using these fresh, locally sourced ingredients in their cocktails. We’ll see even more creative ways brands are using these kinds of ingredients in 2023.  

As restaurant trends evolve, new challenges and opportunities are constantly emerging. Recent industry developments suggest that companies are ready to enter a new era of restaurants. Restauranteurs and investors know they must prioritize technology and sustainability while keeping consumer behaviors top of mind to excel in this industry. 

Check out our FREE downloadable eBook or contact us when you’re ready to start your next project with us! 

About Elkay Interior Systems 

Elkay Interior Systems (EIS) is a tight-knit team of industry-leading designers, commercial-grade manufacturers, innovative engineers, resourceful project managers, and sourcing experts committed to every stage of your project by guaranteeing quality and reliability. We stand out from the crowd with our 40+ years of global experience in the restaurant, hospitality, retail, and education markets. We believe in simplifying the complicated.