So, what’s next for restaurant tech in 2025? Here are my three bold predictions on how this space will evolve, fueled by innovation and my generation’s demand for speed, personalization, and sustainability. Let’s explore.
Emerging Trends: What Gen Zers Are Looking for in Restaurants
1. The Rise of Contactless and Mobile Payment Solutions
During the summer after my first year of college, I worked at my local Dunkin’ Donuts, where most customers were millennials, Gen X, or baby boomers who preferred the routine of standing in line or using the drive-thru instead of online ordering. Every Sunday, a group of older men would gather for coffee and conversation, creating a warm, community-focused vibe.
By my sophomore year, I was working at Dunkin’ on my college campus at UNH, and the difference was striking. The younger Gen-Z crowd overwhelmingly preferred mobile and to-go orders, which had doubled compared to the small-town Dunkin’ I’d worked at that summer. No groups were sitting down to chat over coffee—everything was about speed and convenience, with most orders placed through the Dunkin’ app as people grabbed their drinks and rushed off to their next class or activity.
In 2025, it’s no surprise that the convenience and ease of online ordering and contactless payment solutions have continued to transform the restaurant industry, with Gen Z leading the charge. A Civic Science survey revealed that 47% of Gen Z respondents prefer online ordering or delivery apps as their primary method of dining, compared to just 8% of those aged 55 and older. This aligns with Gen Z's comfort with technology, evidenced by their average screen time of 7 hours and 22 minutes daily, according to the Gen Z 2024 Screen Time Report.
Recognizing these digital consumption patterns, industry leaders are adapting to stay relevant. The CEO of Potbelly, a fast-casual sandwich restaurant, recently emphasized the challenge of “evolving with shifting consumer behavior” toward digital sales. Emerging technologies like FaceMe and PopID, which use facial recognition to streamline online ordering and enable easy contactless payment, may represent the next frontier.
A bold prediction: By 2026, facial recognition technology will become the standard for digital ordering in fast-casual and QSR establishments, enabling diners to order and pay in under 10 seconds.
2. AI-Powered Menu Recommendations
Some of my friends follow special diets that exclude dairy, gluten, or carbs. As a nutrition major, I can’t fully support these diets without a medical diagnosis, but it’s clear that these trends are growing, especially among my generation. For example, my friend Hannah, who is gluten-free, needs to avoid restaurants that don’t offer gluten-free options. When we go out to eat, whether ordering online or dining in, we have to find a place with menu items that meet her dietary needs—often limiting our choices. This usually means we spend time researching restaurant menus beforehand to see what options are available.
As the demand for personalized dining experiences grows, AI-powered menu recommendations are transforming the way restaurants meet customer needs. For Gen Z—a generation where 72% followed specific diets or eating patterns within the year of 2022—customization is key. Many Gen Z diners actively seek restaurants that accommodate preferences or requirements like plant-based, gluten-free, or high-protein meals. Notably, a recent Gen Z health and wellness survey revealed that 65% of Gen-zers incorporate plant-based eating into their diet. AI tools like BigZpoon meet these expectations by offering tailored recommendations that align with customers' dietary values and health goals during online ordering.
AI can also help restaurants highlight desirable attributes like “natural" ingredients, which appeals to 46% of Gen Zers, according to the 2022 Food and Health Survey Spotlight: Generation Z. By incorporating AI, restaurants can enhance satisfaction and cater to the more personalized experience Gen Z desires—especially when it comes to ingredient-conscious dining.
A bold prediction: By 2026, AI-powered systems will recommend personalized menu items when ordering online based on real-time data from users' dietary preferences, adapting to their evolving dietary needs and health goals.
3. Increase in Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Technologies
With the evidence of climate change all around us, it’s more important than ever to be climate-aware. Growing up in a generation that learned about climate change and its impacts, we are now witnessing those effects firsthand, fueling Gen Z’s drive for advocacy. Personally, I feel this urgency because I want my children to grow up in a world free from extreme weather and rising temperatures—though I know that may become increasingly challenging. Still, I’m committed to doing what I can to help the environment, even in everyday choices like dining out. When possible, I choose restaurants that use sustainable packaging or eco-friendly ingredient sourcing, knowing that these small actions can contribute to a larger positive impact.
Sustainability is no longer optional for restaurants—it’s a necessity, especially for Gen Z, a generation deeply committed to the health of the planet. A YouGov study for Whole Foods revealed that 70% of Gen Z respondents support climate-smart agricultural practices, with over half favoring brands that prioritize locally sourced or eco-friendly ingredients. Similarly, a Pew Research survey found that 67% of Gen Z adults believe addressing climate change should be a top priority to secure a sustainable planet for future generations.
To meet these growing expectations, restaurants are embracing innovative technologies to drive sustainability. Energy-efficient kitchen equipment, like smart ovens, is helping reduce their environmental footprint, while tools like food waste tracking apps and AI-powered inventory systems are streamlining operations and minimizing waste. Platforms like Full Harvest are also enabling businesses to cut costs and appeal to eco-conscious customers.
A bold prediction: By 2026, waste reduction AI-powered technologies will start becoming an advertised standard in restaurant operations, helping establishments not only reduce waste but also optimize food production and minimize environmental impact.
Stay Ahead in the Restaurant Tech Revolution with Popcorn GTM
The future of dining is here, shaped by Gen Z's demand for speed, personalization, and sustainability. Is your restaurant tech company ready to lead the way?
At Popcorn GTM, we specialize in crafting go-to-market strategies that help innovators like you dominate the restaurant tech landscape. Whether you're developing AI-powered menu solutions, contactless payment technologies, or eco-friendly innovations, we’ll help you break through the noise and capture your audience’s attention.
