15 Restaurant Trends to Consider in 2026

RSS

As we settle into 2026, new restaurant trends are already heating up and catching the attention of hungry customers. But rising food costs, ongoing staffing challenges, and shifting customer expectations also keep things a little stressful. Restaurant owners are nothing if not resilient! And luckily, many of this year’s restaurant trends can help you combat these industry challenges.

Here are some of the biggest restaurant trends to watch for in 2026, and how you can use them to serve up success this year.

Quick Jumps for Busy Humans

1. Extended Happy Hours

The happiest hour is getting a new look this year. That’s because diners want more value with every bite amid rising costs (of just about everything). In fact, 51% of Americans want to see more happy hour promotions in 2026, according to OpenTable.

All-day happy hours, small plate discounts, or off-peak deals are getting more buzz than traditional after-work drink deals. Stir up excitement with a banner, flag, or other signage announcing happy hour details.

custom banners to promote your restaurant

2. Simplified, Smaller Menus

Streamlining your menu is still a winning strategy, and one of the biggest restaurant industry trends for 2026. Smaller menus cut down on food waste, speed up service, and let you focus on fewer items that your restaurant does best. We’re talking fresh, local, and seasonal dishes.

🍌Stomp Tip: And remember, less doesn’t have to mean forgettable. When you’re trimming down menu items, it’s also a good opportunity to rethink the physical look of your menu. Some restaurants lean into heavier paper stocks or minimalist layouts, while others spring for premium options like plastic menus that offer a cleaner, more polished feel and hold up to daily use. Either way, the goal is the same: make a smaller menu feel intentional, confident, and worthy of a second look.

3. Creative Collaborations

Chef collabs are an exciting way for restaurants to stand out in 2026. Collaborating with another restaurant fuses two cuisines or styles into one unique event, satisfying diners’ hunger for variety and newness. These special events boost exposure for everyone involved, but since you’re sharing expenses, the weight of putting on these events is that much lighter.

4. Hyper-Local Sourcing

Supporting local farmers, artisans, and suppliers is practical. And still trendy! Hyper-local sourcing helps reduce supply chain headaches and builds stronger community connections. Give a shout-out to your suppliers with custom drink coasters or window decals that highlight your local partnerships.

5. Hybrid Kitchens

Ghost kitchens have evolved into hybrid models where dine-in, takeout, and virtual brands all operate under one roof. If delivery and takeout are still big business for you, this flexible approach can lower overhead while expanding your customer base.

Looking for restaurant branding ideas?

Create your own takeout packaging and custom restaurant labels that are more visually appealing than standard to-go boxes, and add a personal touch!

6. Sustainable Packaging & Zero-Waste Practices

More customers care about sustainability in 2026. From compostable containers to reusable takeout programs, eco-friendly practices are good for both the planet and your brand reputation.

Let customers know you’re green with custom compostable packaging and tamper-evident food labels that look as good as they function.

Shop All Restaurant Products 🍽️

7. Health & Wellness Menus

Wellness-driven menu items continue to be in the spotlight for 2026 dining trends. But “healthy” looks different for everyone, and there are a few different menu options you can cook up. Ideas include:

High protein add-ons
Lighter menu selections
Fermented or fiber-rich sides
Allergen-friendly menu (gluten-, dairy-, and nut-free options)

💡 Highlight these items with custom menu sections or in-store signage that calls attention to health-conscious choices.

8. Comfort Foods & Satisfying Entrées

Move over matcha! Alongside healthy eats, nostalgic comfort food is having a huge moment in restaurant trends for 2026. Hearty soups, saucy entrées, and global flavors (such as curry bowls) deliver the homey warmth of “grandma’s cooking” diners crave. Smash burgers also remain a mouthwatering favorite, as noted by the National Restaurant Association.

9. Loyalty Programs

Reward programs are simple but powerful, especially for wallet-conscious diners. Combine points-based systems with exclusive offers or merch to create a loyalty program that sticks and keeps customers coming back for more. Ideas include:

Loyalty cards
Key tags
Mobile apps

10. Smart Digital Touchpoints

Your restaurant’s brand should feel consistent everywhere guests interact with it, online and in person. That means keeping your website current and using social media to highlight new menus, upcoming events, or limited-time specials.

Use something simple like QR code stickers to connect customers to your digital experience. Stick them right on the table and link guests to a digital menu, upcoming events, or your rewards program without adding clutter. It’s an easy way to share more information without crowding their space or reprinting materials every time something changes.

11. Immersive Dining Experiences

From birthday dinners to anniversaries, more customers are treating dining out as a special occasion and are looking for an experience with their meal. Restaurants can create memorable moments with:

Themed pop-up events
Interactive tasting menus
Chef-led classes
Valentine’s Day promos and other seasonal specials

12. Flexible Hours of Operation

Less can be more. Restaurants and customers are still embracing flexibility in 2026. If certain days or shifts consistently lose money, consider reducing your hours to focus on peak times. Post updated hours with custom window decals or signage so customers always know when to find you.

13. Multi-Concept Spaces

Restaurants are getting creative with their spaces. Think coffee shop by morning, taco joint by night. Or retail spaces selling local goods alongside dining areas. Sharing your space with other entrepreneurs can lower overhead and add a fresh revenue stream. Customers also appreciate the flexibility and options for different types of gatherings.

14. Returning to Your Roots

The restaurants that thrive in 2026 are those that stay true to their story. Whether it's comfort food with a twist or local ingredients, lean into what you love most about your craft. Customers crave authenticity now more than ever, and that will shine in your restaurant branding.

15. Focus on Staff Wellbeing

Restaurant staff are the heartbeat of your business, and there are many ways to show your appreciation. Offering mental health resources, flexible scheduling, and fair wages helps attract and retain top talent, as more restaurant professionals prioritize work-life balance. A happy team means better service and a stronger reputation.

Take a Bite of Restaurant Trends This Year

Running a restaurant will always have its challenges, but keeping up with trends helps you stay flexible and ready for whatever 2026 will bring. Smart branding, quality packaging, and personalized touches will always let your customers know you care.

With Stomp in your corner, your restaurant will look just as good as your food tastes. From custom labels to signage to loyalty cards, we’re here to help you serve up something unforgettable every year.

Shop Restaurant Products & Packaging On Stomp

Last updated: February 03, 2026

← Previous Post Next Post →