Staying competitive this year means more than just reacting to the latest fads—it means identifying menu trends with staying power and scaling them across your operations in a way that drives ROI. Multi-unit restaurant operators that embrace strategic innovation can strengthen their brand identity, deepen guest loyalty, and capture new market share.
The National Restaurant Association’s What’s Hot 2025 Culinary Forecast highlights the menu trends shaping guest preferences this year. From global flavor exploration to value-forward offerings, these insights reveal what diners want—and how your operation can deliver.
Here’s what’s hot for 2025—and how Consolidated Concepts helps multi-unit brands stay ahead of the curve:
Sustainability That Scales
From packaging to sourcing, sustainable practices are becoming a brand differentiator. But implementing them across locations? That takes strategy. Guests want to support restaurants that reflect their values, and investing in eco-conscious operations is key.
Cold Brew, Evolved
Coffee innovation continues—think nitro cold brews, flavor infusions, and coffee cocktails. These beverages can boost ticket averages from breakfast to late night and offer a high-margin addition to your beverage program.
Korean Cuisine with Broad Appeal
Dishes like bulgogi bowls and Korean fried chicken are moving into the mainstream. They deliver on flavor and can be adapted across formats, from fast casual to polished casual concepts.
Hot Honey Everything
This trend shows no signs of cooling off. Menu applications are endless—from chicken sandwiches to pizza to brunch items—and it offers a simple way to elevate familiar dishes with a bold flavor punch.
Vietnamese Flavors on the Rise
Fresh, customizable, and packed with flavor—Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi are a smart choice for health-conscious diners and dietary flexibility across concepts.
Hyper-Local Beer & Wine
While harder to scale, spotlighting regional partnerships with craft brewers and winemakers can boost guest engagement and brand loyalty—especially for locations that lean into local culture.
Fermented and Pickled Ingredients
These ingredients bring tang, texture, and gut-health appeal. From pickled onions on burgers to kimchi sides and fermented sauces, they’re trending across cuisines and formats.
Wellness Drinks for the Win
Functional beverages with adaptogens, probiotics, and immunity-boosting benefits are becoming menu must-haves. Guests are looking for drinks that do more—and are willing to pay for them.
Creative Spritzes & Low-ABV Cocktails
With an eye on wellness, diners are gravitating toward lighter, eye-catching beverages. Think botanical spritzes, non-alcoholic mixers, and fruit-forward refreshers that look just as good as they taste.
Value Deals that Don’t Sacrifice Quality
Diners are budget-conscious but still crave a great experience. Family-style portions, loyalty perks, and curated combo deals can boost perceived value while maintaining profitability.
Stay Trend-Forward with Consolidated Concepts
Incorporating new menu trends across multiple units takes more than creativity—it takes coordination, cost control, and confidence in your supply chain. Consolidated Concepts gives you the tools and support to turn trends into scalable, sustainable success:
Strategic Sourcing
We connect you with vetted suppliers, contract support, and product alternatives to source trendy ingredients—like fermented foods, wellness beverages, and global flavors—at the right price and quality.
Data-Driven Insights
Know what your guests are craving and how your competitors are adapting. We deliver industry insights and purchasing intelligence to help you act with precision and stay ahead of shifting preferences.
Contract Management & Rebate Optimization
Trendy doesn’t have to mean pricey. We help you maximize rebates and contract compliance to bring innovation to your menu while protecting your margins.
Culinary & Supply Chain Expertise
From menu ideation to implementation, we support your teams with guidance on product rollout, cost modeling, and operational alignment across locations.
Tech-Enabled Solutions
Consolidated Concepts leverages data and technology to streamline procurement, manage inventory, and ensure consistency—from one unit to one hundred.
Want to turn menu trends into profits this year? Let Consolidated Concepts help you scale innovation with confidence. Fill out the form below and contact us today to start planning your trend-forward strategy.
