2026 Industry Update

Real growth in 2026 will come from
adaptability, anticipating guest
expectations, and delivering experiences
that feel personal and relevant.

Operators: Navigating A Shifting Industry

Foodservice growth is expected to continue at a modest but steady pace in 2026, with real growth projected at 1.1%—slightly higher than 2025’s 0.9%.¹

Ongoing pressure from food and labor costs, along with evolving consumer habits, will require strategies that anticipate change instead of reacting to it.

Rising Food Costs Further Ignite Creativity

With new tariffs and shifting global supply dynamics, food costs are top of mind for operators. Prices for meat, produce, cheese, wine, olive oil, and seafood have been particularly impacted.¹ Many operators are taking this opportunity to rethink sourcing, cross-utilize ingredients, and spotlight menu items with strong perceived value.

Labor Costs Encourage Innovation

Labor challenges remain, but operators are finding ways to adapt. Investments in automation, smarter scheduling, and convenient product solutions are helping ease the workload. In 2026, success will come from blending people power with practical efficiencies.

Sources: 1. Datassential, 2026 Industry Forecast (Sept 2025) 

Consumer Food And Beverage Habits Are Changing

Consumer behavior continues to evolve as lifestyles, routines, and priorities shift. Understanding these new patterns helps operators anticipate what guests want next and design menus that fit seamlessly into their changing lives.

Smarter Choices, Smaller Portions

Americans are focusing more on what—and how much—they eat. 30% of consumers say they’re more likely to eat healthy foods today compared to a year ago. Many are also shrinking portion sizes and eating smaller volumes for meals and snacks.¹

Global Flavors Meet Familiar Comforts

Consumers are most eager to enjoy global cuisines away-from-home, with favorites like sushi (66%), Pad Thai (61%), and Korean BBQ (59%) topping the list. At the same time, there’s an increased interest in comfort foods away-from-home such as chicken sandwiches (15%), fried chicken (9%), and chicken wings (7%).¹

New Eating Occasions, Same Appetite For Experience

Eating habits aren’t just changing: so are the occasions behind them. Guests now choose food and beverage experiences based on intent, not time of day. Whether it’s social dining that feels like an event, solo moments to refuel on the go, or takeout that enhances gatherings at home, operators can find growth by meeting guests where—and how—they eat and drink.

Sources: 1. Datassential, Daily Habit Shifts (Feb 2025) 

New Rules Define Why We Eat

Traditional dayparts like breakfast, lunch, and dinner are giving way to more fluid eating moments shaped by intent rather than time of day. Success means thinking less about the clock and more about meeting these needs wherever and whenever they happen.

Social & Experiential

On-site and interactive, these occasions are about connection and discovery. Think: shared plates, themed menus, or immersive dining moments.

In-The-Car & On-The-Move

Designed for speed and convenience, these solo occasions meet guests wherever they are—on the road, between meetings, or taking a quick break to refuel.

Shared & Takeaway

Meals that travel well for groups—whether it’s a team lunch, family dinner, or hotel gathering—bring quality and togetherness to any setting.

The Year Of Connection

Consumers are getting fewer meals away from home, and 23% say they’re more likely to celebrate a special occasion at home rather than go out, compared to a year ago.¹This shift is both a challenge and an opportunity. Operators can draw guests back to dining out by offering experiences they simply can’t replicate at home.

The Need For Social Spaces

41% of consumers often feel lonely, and that number rises to 52% among Gen Z.¹ Guests are looking for spaces that make it easy to gather, talk, and spend time together. Operators can meet this need by designing environments that naturally encourage conversation and inclusion.

A Desire for Daily Interaction

36% of consumers wish they had more social interaction each day, including 47% of Gen Z.¹By combining warm service and shareable experiences, you can offer the “third space” between home and work.

Sources: 1. Datassential, Daily Habit Shifts (Feb 2025)