The top restaurant trends in 2025 WSOC TV [Video]

Restaurant owners entered 2025 feeling optimistic, according to data from the 2025 Square Future of Restaurants report. With costs rising and time more valuable than ever, restaurants are exploring new strategies to optimize operations, improve guest experiences, and drive revenue. To understand restaurant leaders’ current goals and challenges, as well as what customers want from dining experiences this year, Square collaborated with Bredin to survey 2,000 restaurant owners and managers and 4,000 customers across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. After analyzing survey results, insights from the Square restaurants team, and interviews with restaurateurs across the globe, here are the most compelling trends shaping the food and beverage industry.

Time constraints are pushing restaurants to invest in technology

Staffing challenges have eased up for operators. The majority of restaurant owners (60%) said hiring has become easier this year, compared to last year. But that has not made running a restaurant any less demanding. Instead, three in four owners said they are spending …