These Two Shifts Will Transform Restaurants in 2026

2025 was a year of upheaval in the restaurant industry, marked by rising costs, rapid technological advancements, a challenging labor market, and a consumer pullback on dining out – conditions that will likely continue in 2026. 

Unfortunately, the price of uncertainty is too often passed on to employees. According to Gallup, only 29 percent of hospitality workers report having quality jobs. Restaurant pay and schedules have gone from unpredictable to unsustainable, luring talented restaurant workers to gig jobs that offer the flexibility they need. On top of their primary jobs, they may be juggling school, caregiving responsibilities, healthcare needs, or a second job. They also want to feel fulfilled at work and see a clear path to career growth. When those needs aren’t met, they’re bound to go elsewhere. 

This workforce instability is hurting operations: failing to address employees' challenges negatively impacts the customer experience. Financially stressed, overworked…