1. Safety is still crucial when it comes to F&B experiences.
Food safety, from preparation to presentation, will continue to be a big priority and concern. You’re going to see more passed foods and individual servings, and less buffets in order to limit crowds and grazing,
Guests want options that allow them to prioritize their safety without sacrificing experiences.
2. Creative serving ideas are here to stay.
It’s more about individually packaged food items, creatively displayed. Whether it be a cone, a mini pizza box or a bento box, these displays are here to stay. You’re going to see more small plates and roaming stations where people simply pick up a styled dish rather than serve themselves from a station. You are also going to see hors d’oeuvres served in more ways that are creatively designed while prioritizing safety.
Pickled Quail Eggs
3. Guests are looking for bold and untraditional flavors.
When everyone was on lockdown, people explored more food , thanks to Trader Joe’s spices for the trend. People are much more welcoming to new flavors. So we're seeing more requests for Za'atar and saffron and different curries—things that we didnt see a lot of in the past. . People want to experiment now with interesting, unique, regional flavors
People are experience-starved and ready to be wowed “They want food they didn’t learn to make at home—so less craving stations and more hand-pulled noodles.
There seems to be an increased interest in food and flavors from Asia Pacific. For a few years, industry analysts have anticipated that Filipino food would go more mainstream. Several beloved Korean steak and chicken restaurants have announced major growth plans in the U.S.— You’ll see broad adoption of this into our national food lexicon the way Thai food really became mainstream so many years ago.”
Tuna poké bowl station, anyone?
These clothespins allowed guests to snag a bite without touching others on the plate!
4. Also, elevated takes on traditional foods.
Don’t get us wrong, many attendees still want innovative spins on regional classic comfort food. Consider an amazing action station with a huge marshmallow and use a briquette to roast. How about an elevated corn dog. People always want something elevated and unique, but they still want it to be within their comfort zone.
Guests are looking for sophisticated dishes that are out of the ordinary, but still recognizable.
The Best comfort food, tomato soup and grilled cheese, an unique take on a traditional food
6. Give a nod to nonalcoholic beverages.
Pushing way beyond the juice or soda-based mocktails of the past, there are highly crafted beverages that contain no alcohol, but are delicious and are unlocking new experiences for sober-minded consumers.