March 2023

Through our research here at Elkay Interior Systems, we’ve noticed how many consumers are making their own mental and physical health a top priority. Food is now seen as a wellness category, and consumers want to see their favorite restaurants follow suit and offer clean, high-quality ingredients. Right now, consumers are looking deeper into where their food comes from, how it is sourced, and how food impacts mental and physical health.  

Brands are listening and paying attention to their consumers and are accommodating these changes in trends. They realize consumers value quality food and beverages, but they also want experiences to connect with friends and family.  

With these consumer changes come ever-changing trends in the restaurant industry. We’ve compiled a broader look into these trends in our eBook, but here’s a peek into what we found when it comes to food and health trends for 2023.  

Clean eating 

There’s been an increase in interest in eating healthy, natural, and sustainable foods without added ingredients. A recent poll found almost half of US consumers would definitely or probably change their consumption habits to reduce the environmental impact, and 75% of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable or environmentally friendly ingredients. This also includes minimally processed plant-based foods with a short list of recognizable ingredients. 

Veganism 

Over the last several years, the charts of veganism’s popularity have skyrocketed, whether researching the word as a lifestyle or diet or as a market trend. According to Sentient Media, the term veganism had grown since 2004, when data became available, and peaked in January 2020. Now, an estimated 79 million vegans exist around the world – enough to make an impact in current restaurant markets and trends.  

Moreover, veganism is a growing trend. The vegan food market increased from $14.44 billion in 2020 to $15.77 billion in 2021 and is expected to continue this path due in part to more and more people looking to reduce their consumption of meat and dairy. Many people are also turning towards veganism for health, wellness, and animal welfare reasons.  

Locally sourced foods 

Some restaurants, like fine dining or cafes, often get their produce from local farmers or businesses. This movement, referred to as the farm-to-table movement, began in the 1960s and continues today as a popular choice for many restaurant owners and customers. With this popularity comes its expansion into other food communities, like cocktails.  

This newly named “garden-to-glass” movement uses freshly grown herbs and in-season produce to create an elevated experience for customers when dining out or stopping in for a drink. Using locally sourced ingredients creates an ever-changing menu due to the availability of what’s in season, and some restaurants claim to use farm to fork ingredients as a marketing tactic without truthfully sourcing locally. Truly local ingredients support local farmers and make organic food more accessible to communities.  

Cannabis in restaurants 

With almost half of the US states legalizing recreational marijuana use, some chefs and restaurant owners are cleverly experimenting with doses and strains of cannabis in foods and beverages. The cannabis craze was off to a quick start before COVID-19 forced many to shut their doors for good. As we adjust to life with COVID-19, entrepreneurs are increasingly eager to launch consumption lounges and cannabis-infused dining options.  

Because marijuana remains federally illegal, there are several obstacles to serving cannabis-infused foods and drinks. Though restaurants in legal states are not allowed to use THC-laced foods, what they can do is serve CBD-infused items. This non-psychoactive cannabis compound, Cannabidiol, does not intoxicate a person, making it an easy option for restaurants looking to add cannabis items to their menus. We also might see the introduction of Delta 8 THC. Delta 8 is THC, but it’s derived from hemp plants and is legal in several states.  

This dining experience continues to develop and shows us a new wave of possibilities for consumers and restaurant owners interested in ingesting marijuana in different ways. We’ll see these establishments as upscale, well-funded, and aesthetically pleasing places that introduce a new way to experience cannabis – an experience far from buying in an unlit parking lot.  

What about QSR chains?  

Some of the most popular restaurants in the world are fast-casual or quick-serve restaurants, and because they want consistency between each location across the globe, they often buy supplies in bulk from large, wholesale distributors. Some chains do offer local dishes depending on the region or country, but they probably aren’t buying from the farmer across the street.  

Brands like Chipotle Mexican Grill show us it’s possible to source locally, though. In 2021, they sourced 31 million pounds of local produce, contributing more than $500,000 to local farmers as part of their corporate sustainability strategy. 

Where to go from here 

New challenges and opportunities emerge as restaurant trends evolve, and recent industry developments suggest companies are ready to enter this new era. Restauranteurs and investors know they must prioritize this wellness trend and are creating ever-changing menus to accommodate using in-season foods to give their customers the best ingredients and experiences possible.  

Elkay Interior Systems offers full-service solutions for your restaurant refresh or rebrand. Even if you’re starting from the beginning, trust EIS to assist you with anything from interior design to furniture and fixtures, stainless steel solutions, and custom millwork. 

Want more on 2023 restaurant trends? Download our FREE eBook. Or check out our other blogs on interior design trends for the year.  

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.