Trends and Challenges in the Restaurant Industry Today and What’s Coming in 2026

Restaurant owners today are operating in very challenging environments. Post-COVID staffing shortages persist and many of the workers who left the industry have not returned. As a result, restaurants are relying more heavily on newer, less-experienced team members at the same time guests are paying more and expecting more. Inflation continues to push up labor, food and operating costs, tightening margins and forcing operators to rethink profitability from the ground up. Guests have become more value-conscious, but they still expect emotionally engaging, personalized service with every visit.

Looking ahead to 2026, we expect these pressures to intensify. Talent shortages will continue, guest expectations will rise and operators will need to focus on bringing guests in, but on maximizing the value of every guest already in the building. Technology will play a major role, especially tools that give managers clearer visibility into frontline performance, support training for inexperienced…