The restaurant industry is constantly changing and evolving to keep up with people’s tastes and with regional trends. As we proceed through 2019, there are innumerable possibilities for the restaurant industry, so it’s important for restaurateurs to be prepared for just about any of them.

Here’s an overview of some of the most interesting trends and statistics that affect today’s restaurant industry and could play a role in shaping how restaurants and holders of Texas liquor licenses in Dallas, TX do business in 2019.

The restaurant economy

How are restaurants doing financially right now? Consider this: about 60 years ago, the restaurant industry comprised about 25 percent of the family food dollar. Today, that number is about 48 percent, meaning more and more families are eating out more frequently than ever.

Today, American consumers spend about 12.6 percent of their total income on food—a significant portion, behind only housing and transportation. And according to consumer research, away-from-home food purchases are on the rise—all this indicates there are more and more economic opportunities for restaurants that are able to find their niche.

Consumer information

What do we know about people who are going out to eat?

Studies indicate 61 percent of adults say they’d rather spend money on an experience (such as going out to eat) than on an item. This means going out to a restaurant should be about more than just eating good food, though that’s certainly a big part of it. While delicious food should absolutely be a priority, restaurants must also deliver high-quality service and a unique atmosphere or experience to be able to thrive in today’s competitive market.

Payment trends

The vast majority of people these days use their credit or debit card to pay for their food. Even if it’s a low-ticket item, such as coffee, 62 percent of guests still opt to use their card, and 90 percent will pay with a card when out to dinner. Millennials are particularly likely to use their cards—69 percent of them will use their cards for any restaurant purchase of any size.

The food

Of course, trends in food are also crucial to analyze for the restaurant industry, and healthy food options are more important to have than ever before. Today, 70 percent of people who go out to eat say they are more likely to go to a restaurant that offers healthy options on the menu. In addition, 66 percent of Americans say they’re more likely to go to a restaurant that offers locally sourced food items, a consideration that would not have been nearly as important in past decades.

Expect local sourcing, fresh produce and emphasis on authenticity and local flavors to continue to be huge in 2019 and beyond.

These are just a few of the trends that we’ve noticed in the restaurant industry in recent years that you can expect to play a large role in 2019. Another is the rise in options for alcoholic beverages, driven in large part by an increase in craft options. If your establishment is in need of a Texas liquor license in Dallas, TX to expand your customer base, reach out to the experts at LaBarba Permit Service today!