Trend Watch
What’s Shaping Restaurants in 2025
Big Chains Are Closing—Independent Operators
Need to Stay Sharp
Some of the biggest names in the business are scaling back. Wendy’s, Denny’s, Red Lobster, and TGI Fridays have all shut down locations or filed for bankruptcy.
Why does this matter to you? Because it’s proof that high costs and inefficiencies will put any restaurant at risk. The smartest operators are cutting what’s not working and doubling down on what is.
What you can do:
Track your numbers
Menu pricing, labor costs, and profit margins need to be dialed in.
Cut what’s not profitable
Simplify your menu, tighten up operations, and focus on what sells.
Make every customer count
Your digital presence needs to drive more orders and repeat business.
Smaller, Digital-First Restaurants Are Taking Over
Customers are ordering more takeout, delivery, and drive-thru, so restaurant spaces are shrinking. Major chains are rolling out drive-thru-only locations, AI-powered kiosks, and mobile pickup lanes.
What you can do:
- Make pickup and takeout easy—if customers have to wait or call, you're losing orders.
- Get your menu in front of more people—integrate with Google Business Profile and third-party apps.
- Speed things up—QR codes, mobile ordering, and online menus keep things moving.
Pro Tip:
The Chowly Platform helps you sync your menus, automate orders, and turn more searches into sales.
Off-Premise is Bigger Than Ever
(But You Gotta Do It Right)
Takeout and delivery aren’t slowing down. Customers want convenience, and they’re willing to pay for it. But third-party delivery fees are eating into profits, so operators are looking for better ways to handle off-premise.
What you can do:
Build a strong direct ordering strategy
Own your customers and keep more of your revenue.
Offer catering and
large orders
large orders
An easy way to increase ticket sizes and boost margins.
Make sure customers can find you online
If you’re not ranking on Google, you’re missing sales.
AI and Automation Are Changing the Game
You’re running a restaurant, not a tech company—but automation is here to help, not replace you. Operators are using AI to:
What you can do:
- Look for automation tools that actually save you time, not add to your workload.
- Use AI-driven marketing to personalize promos and keep customers coming back.
- Test automation in small ways—like menu syncing and AI-powered order management.
Pro Tip:
Chowly helps you sync, automate, and optimize—so you can run leaner, faster, and smarter without extra work.
Delivery and Robotics: The Future is Here
Delivery costs are rising, and restaurants are experimenting with new ways to cut costs—from AI-powered routing to robotic delivery drivers.
What you can do:
Decide if third-party delivery is worth it or if it’s time to build your own direct ordering system.
Look into new delivery models—pickup lockers, catering, and local partnerships can boost revenue.
Streamline your digital storefront so customers can order without friction.
How You Win in 2025
This year, the restaurants that succeed won’t just have great food—they’ll run smarter businesses.
The operators making the biggest moves are:
- Balancing on-premise and off-premise revenue
- Using automation to cut costs and save time
- Investing in digital marketing and direct ordering
- Simplifying tech and operations to improve efficiency
The Chowly Platform helps you put all the pieces together—from Google Business Profile and direct ordering to third-party integration and marketing automation.
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