Blending Cuisine with Choreography: Restaurants Borrow from Live-Event Playbooks

By borrowing strategies from live events, restaurant operators can design authentic dining experiences that deliver moments both memorable and shareable. 

“Guests aren't just going out to eat anymore; they're going out to feel something,” said Jennifer Brisman, founder and CEO of VOW, an event-orchestration platform. She has produced more than 600 events including the Tonys, restaurant openings, and celebrity galas. “The meal is part of it, but it's the memory that matters.”

Younger generations especially value experiences and are looking for connection, creativity and immersion, she noted. 

“Ten to fifteen years ago, a night out in your 20s meant bar food and a few drinks – that was considered youthful and cost-effective. Today, with the rise of social media and rising costs, young people crave meaning and beauty in how they spend their time.”

Flexible Experiential DesignOver the past decade, there’s been a major shift in how restaurants and hospitality…