7 New Foodservice & Restaurant Trends for 2026

With the year coming to a close, it’s time to check out some of the piping hot trends we might see in the new year. With new technology innovations and industry shifts, there are some major changes that are bound to happen in 2026. Take a look through some of the new foodservice and restaurant trends for 2026. 

1. AI & the Future of Foodservice

This next year we’ll be seeing more AI-powered technology becoming the norm in commercial kitchens and foodservice. AI helps automate processes and can help keep consistent progress in the industry. We’ll see more AI used in data reporting, carrying out important research on trends for content and menu planning, fulfilling orders and even automating cooking altogether. If you wish to learn more about why AI is the future of the food industry, be sure to check out Parts Town’s article on AI trends in restaurants and foodservice.

2. Allergy Alternatives for Commercial Kitchens & Restaurants

The foodservice industry is becoming more aware of ways to keep customers with food allergies safe while offering more options when dining in. From dairy-free items to nut substitutes and meat alternatives, there are multiple ways to adjust a menu for those with food sensitivities. 

3. Virtual Restaurants & Ghost Kitchens Expand

In 2026, we can expect to see multi-brand kitchens operating from single locations. We’ll see more virtual restaurants popping up that utilize AI-managed inventory and delivery, speeding up operations and processes. With ghost kitchens expanding, we also might get hyper-personalized menus tailored to the local area or customer demands. Without the need for storefront restaurants, it helps staff focus on the cooking process, which means faster results.

4. Smaller Portions, Bigger Impact

With more people starting medications like GLP-1, we might see restaurants rethink portion sizes and the quality of food served. Menus with a GLP-1 friendly focus will start featuring smaller, nutrient-dense plates that prioritize quality over quantity. Shareable plates and functional ingredients like fiber and protein will appeal to health-conscious consumers.

5. Hybrid Menus & Flexitarian Appeal

Another health-conscious foodservice trend that we expect to see in 2026. The flexitarian movement is reshaping menus with blended dishes that combine meat and plant-based proteins. Meat alternatives have been a trend on menus for a while, but we expect to see more hybrid items like 70/30 beef-and-vegetable tacos or hybrid meatballs. These help to reduce food costs while providing more health forward choices. These creative combinations appeal to diners who want a healthier option without sacrificing flavor or texture.

6. Cost Control Measures in Restaurants & Foodservice

Given the current period of high inflation, many restaurants are trying to lower their expenses without negatively affecting their customers or employees. While some strategies like minimizing waste and adjusting portions are obvious, tracking food costs and consolidating suppliers are less so yet still very effective. Additionally, maintaining inventory carefully and measuring food precisely are subtle yet impactful strategies. When it comes to staff, improving employee retention and motivation while also preventing internal pilferage are also important. If you want to implement cost control measures in 2026, be sure to read our full-length guide.

7. Robotic Trends in Restaurants & Foodservice

Automation is becoming more popular with many different industries and foodservice is no different. The pandemic may have been the catalyst for robotic innovation and implementation in restaurants and fast food chains, but the automation in commercial kitchens is far from over. From food flippers and pizza makers to server bots and automated delivery, these are just the tip of the iceberg of robot restaurant automation trends to look out for in 2026.