GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2023

Critical Quick Service Restaurant Trends [Fresh Research]

Last Updated: October 31, 2023

Written & Summarized by: Jannik Lindner

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Highlights: The Most Important Quick Service Restaurant Trends

1. Mobile ordering and delivery
2. Drive-thru innovation
3. Plant-based menu options
4. Ghost kitchens
5. Personalization through technology
6. Sustainable packaging
7. Touchless payment options
8. Health-conscious menus
9. International cuisine
10. Smart menu boards
11. AI and automation
12. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences
13. Loyalty programs and mobile apps
14. Focus on breakfast
15. Pop-up locations and food trucks

Quick Service Restaurant Trends: Our Guide

As the fast-paced world continues to evolve, so do the trends that govern the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector. Our fresh research dissects and demystifies the latest and critical trends transforming this bustling industry. Read on as we steer you through these game-changing trends that will redefine the QSR landscape and offer strategic insights for your business to thrive.

Mobile Ordering And Delivery

With the surge in food delivery apps, QSRs are teaming up to offer mobile ordering and delivery.

Drive-Thru Innovation

QSRs are enhancing drive-thru with digital menus, better speakers, and Al to boost efficiency.

Plant-Based Menu Options

As the demand for vegan and vegetarian options continues to grow, QSRs are incorporating plant-based proteins and menu items to cater to customers’ dietary preferences.

Ghost Kitchens

QSRs are adopting ghost kitchens for cost-effective off-premise food production and delivery.

Personalization Through Technology

QskRs are increasingly using data-driven technology to create personalized experiences for customers, such as customized menu recommendations and targeted marketing campaigns.

Sustainable Packaging

To reduce the environmental impact of disposable packaging, QSRs are experimenting with eco-friendly packaging alternatives like compostable and biodegradable materials.

Touchless Payment Options

Contactless payment systems are becoming a standard at QSRs, making transactions more efficient, safer, and more hygienic for customers.

Health-Conscious Menus

Consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of healthy eating, leading QSRs to implement menu items that are fresh, nutritious, and less calorie-dense.

International Cuisine

QsRs are diversifying their menus by incorporating international flavors and dishes to appeal to consumers’ evolving palates.

Smart Menu Boards

Restaurants switch to dynamic digital menus for easy updates, promotions, and eye-catching visuals.

Al And Automation

QsRs are exploring Al-powered chatbots, robotic chefs, and automation technology to help streamline operations, enhance customer service, and reduce costs.

VR And AR Experiences

To create an immersive and engaging environment, some QSRs are incorporating VR and AR features within their stores or through their mobile apps.

Loyalty Programs And Mobile Apps

To boost loyalty and collect data, QSRs use apps with rewards and personalized marketing.

Focus On Breakfast

Many QS8Rs are expanding their breakfast menus, as consumers continue to embrace the trend of eating breakfast on the go.

Pop-Up Locations And Food Trucks

QSRs are experimenting with temporary, pop-up locations and food trucks to reach new customers, test new concepts, and generate buzz in new markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current leading trends in quick service restaurants?

The current leading trends in quick service restaurants are digital ordering and delivery, menu customization, health-conscious and plant-based menu options, utilizing artificial intelligence, and adopting sustainable practices.

How has digital ordering and delivery impacted the quick service restaurant industry?

Digital ordering and delivery have significantly impacted the industry by providing customers with more convenience, increasing off-premise dining, and expanding market reach for restaurants. This technology-driven change has led to the growth of third-party delivery platforms and shifted restaurants to prioritize digital infrastructure.

In what ways are quick service restaurants focusing on health-conscious and plant-based menu options?

Restaurants are adding more plant-based protein alternatives and expanding their selection of salads, wraps, and wholesome grain bowls. Additionally, they are paying more attention to allergen-friendly and dietary-specific options to accommodate diverse customer needs.

How are quick service restaurants utilizing the power of artificial intelligence?

Quick service restaurants are using artificial intelligence to better understand customer preferences, enhance personalized marketing strategies, optimize inventory management, and improve services by using chatbots for customer support and digital menu ordering.

What initiatives are being taken by quick service restaurants in adopting sustainable practices?

Quick service restaurants are embracing green practices, including reducing waste through recycling programs, minimizing single-use plastics, sourcing eco-friendly packaging and utensils, and ensuring responsible ingredient sourcing with a focus on local, organic, and socially responsible suppliers.

How we write these articles

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly. See our Editorial Guidelines.

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