We’ve skipped the crystal ball and instead curated the trends and predictions for 2026 from various industry experts. From fiber-focused foods to grocery-shop tourism, here’s what we can look forward to seeing in the new year:
What the restaurant industry can expect in 2026 – Nation’s Restaurant News
Nation’s Restaurant News is cautiously optimistic for 2026, predicting a more stable industry environment after a softer-than-expected 2025 performance. NRN outlines growing trends in self-service opportunities, restaurant design and hospitality “wow-factors,” a continued focus on value offerings, and heightened customer loyalty.
What’s coming onto menus in 2026 – Restaurant Business
Fiber is the new protein, pastries won’t go out of style, and storytelling increases sales. Restaurant Business has more of the trends we’ll see across menus nationwide.
State of the Plate: Trend Watch for 2026 – Mpls.St.Paul Magazine
Home in the Twin Cities, we’re seeing a lot of the same trends taking hold. Fiber is all the rage, diners are seeking “safe luxuries,” everyone’s a restaurant critic, and more from MSP Mag.
2026 Dining Trends Report – OpenTable
OpenTable shares their data collected from diners and restaurants on their plans for dining out in the new year.
2026 Outlook: Experts Discuss Restaurant Trends and Challenges – Modern Restaurant Management
2026’s trends are not to be without a few challenges. MRM outlines the “value barbell” as two growing ends of the value spectrum continue to grow as mid-level offerings seem to disappear, as well as a few other trends and challenges for the new year.
The Biggest Travel Trends of 2026 – Condé Nast Traveler
Not only does CNT highlight growing new ways to travel (luxury railways, astro-cruising), they also share the growing experiences travelers seek-out once they arrive to new destinations. Grocery shop tourism, social bathhouses, and interactive museums are gaining momentum in 2026, and it doesn’t stop there.
The Weird and Wonderful Consumer Trends Steering Brands Into 2026 – Wall Street Journal
WSJ takes it a step further from the standard predictions lists, and asked experts what some of the more strange or less-documented trends are that they’re seeing take hold. Synthetic realties, a new “Luddite Class”, and Aspirational Humanity are just a few.
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