More consumers are seeking dining experiences versus just meals Subscribe Subscribe Operations Related Topics Marketing & Branding Labor Delivery & Takeout Solutions Equipment Food Safety Executives Recent in Operations See All Marketing & Branding Social media creators fuel beverage boom as coffee, dirty soda drive engagement Social media creators fuel beverage boom as coffee, dirty soda drive engagement by Joanna Fantozzi Oct 30, 2025 3 Min Read Fast Casual Shake Shack also has a value proposition Shake Shack also has a value proposition by Bret Thorn Oct 30, 2025 6 Min Read Technology Related Topics Automation Delivery Loyalty AI in Restaurants Recent in Technology See All Sponsored Content Serving Success: How Tommy Bahama is Driving Retention, Flexibility, and Performance Serving Success: How Tommy Bahama is Driving Retention, Flexibility, and Performance Nov 5, 2025 2:00 pm EST Sponsored Content Real Strategies for AI in Restaurants Real Strategies for AI in Restaurants Oct 30, 2025 1 Hr View Segments Related Topics Fast Casual Casual Dining Fine Dining Independent Restaurants Emerging Chains Regional Chains Quick Service Eatertainment Family Dining Recent in Segments See All Fast Casual CAVA CEO Brett Schulman shares blueprint for fast casual chain’s early growth CAVA CEO Brett Schulman shares blueprint for fast casual chain’s early growth by Sam Oches Oct 30, 2025 Fast Casual Shake Shack also has a value proposition Shake Shack also has a value proposition by Bret Thorn Oct 30, 2025 6 Min Read Finance Related Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Franchising Recent in Finance See All Fast Casual Shake Shack also has a value proposition Shake Shack also has a value proposition by Bret Thorn Oct 30, 2025 6 Min Read Casual Dining HopCat acquired by Uncommon Equity HopCat acquired by Uncommon Equity by Alicia Kelso Oct 30, 2025 2 Min Read Menu Trends Related Topics Food Trends Beverage Trends Chef Trends Sandwich Trends MenuMasters Spotlight Recent in Menu Trends See All Marketing & Branding Social media creators fuel beverage boom as coffee, dirty soda drive engagement Social media creators fuel beverage boom as coffee, dirty soda drive engagement by Joanna Fantozzi Oct 30, 2025 3 Min Read Fast Casual Shake Shack also has a value proposition Shake Shack also has a value proposition by Bret Thorn Oct 30, 2025 6 Min Read Insights Related Topics Restaurant Experience Expert Opinions Top 500 Restaurants Supplier News Recent in Insights See All Fast Casual CAVA CEO Brett Schulman shares blueprint for fast casual chain’s early growth CAVA CEO Brett Schulman shares blueprint for fast casual chain’s early growth by Sam Oches Oct 30, 2025 Marketing & Branding Social media creators fuel beverage boom as coffee, dirty soda drive engagement Social media creators fuel beverage boom as coffee, dirty soda drive engagement by Joanna Fantozzi Oct 30, 2025 3 Min Read Multimedia Resources Related Topics 2025 AI Insights Report 2025 FSTEC Show Recap Event Insider: FSTEC 2025 FSTEC Pre-Show Tech Guide 2025 Restaurant Show Recap Event Insider: Restaurant Show Event Recap: RLC Event Insider: CREATE Event Recap: CREATE 2025 Technology Outlook Report 2025 Data Insights Report Sustainability Outlook 2025 Sponsored By Top 500 Restaurants Insights More consumers are seeking dining experiences versus just meals More consumers are seeking dining experiences versus just meals More consumers are seeking dining experiences versus just meals Yelp data finds that more diners are seeking options that prioritize entertainment and uniqueness Alicia Kelso , Executive Editor , Nation's Restaurant News June 30, 2025 2 Min Read KPOT's sales jumped 34% last year as more consumers seek experiential dining Photo courtesy of KPOT Tighter budgets are apparently causing more consumers to seek broader experiences while dining out. According to Yelp data analyzing consumer searches from January to March, diners are seeking options that prioritize entertainment and uniqueness. For example, searches for Le Petit Chef were up 509% during Yelp’s timeframe. Le Petit Chef bills itself as “an immersive dining experience” that combines culinary arts with technology. The concept features “the world’s smallest chef” — a 6-centimeter-tall, animated Frenchman who is brought to life on diners’ tables using 3D projection technology. Further, “hibachi catering” searches jumped by 55%, while searches for “chef’s table” were up 36%, and “popup restaurant” searches were up 14%. Medieval Times searches were up 40%. The concept has been around since 1973, featuring a dinner theater experience that transports guests to an 11 th century Medieval feast and tournament. Yelp’s data corroborates some of Technomic’s Top 500 data from 2024, in which concepts such as Cooper’s Hawk, KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, Kura Sushi, and Puttshack grew their sales significantly faster than the industry average of just above 3%. Cooper’s Hawk sales jumped 12.5% last year to finish with $605.3 million. The concept considers itself to be a “wine-driven lifestyle brand,” with a wine club featuring tastings, members-only events, and more. Related: Jack in the Box selling Del Taco for $115M KPOT, meanwhile, jumped by 34% to finished with $398 million, leveraging rising consumer demand for Korean barbecue while also allowing guests to cook their own food in an interactive, all-you-can-eat format. Kura Sushi’s revolving sushi bar attracted plenty of consumers last year, as the chain generated a 27% year-over-year increase in sales to finish with $237.8 million. Puttshack, which combines tech-integrated mini golf with a globally-inspired menu, experienced 60.2% sales growth last year to finish with $32.2 million. These trends also match recent research conducted by hospitality management platform SevenRooms finding that diners have become more selective in their spending, but they’re willing to spend for experiences that feel “premium and exclusive.” Seventy-four percent of consumers said they will return to a restaurant after a unique experience. Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected] About the Author Alicia Kelso Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News Alicia Kelso is the executive editor of Nation's Restaurant News. She began covering the restaurant industry in 2010 for QSRweb.com, FastCasual.com, and PizzaMarketplace.com. When her son was born, she left the industry to pursue a role in higher education, but swiftly returned after realizing how much she missed the space. In filling that void, Alicia added a contributor role at Restaurant Dive and a senior contributor role at Forbes. Her work has appeared in publications around the world, including Forbes Asia, NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Crain's Chicago, Good Morning America, and Franchise Asia Magazine. Alicia holds a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University, where she competed on the women's swim team. In addition to cheering for the BGSU Falcons, Alicia is a rabid Michigan fan and will talk about college football with anyone willing to engage. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her wife and son. Follow her on TikTok @aliciakelso See more from Alicia Kelso Subscribe Nation's Restaurant News Newsletters Get the latest breaking news in the industry, analysis, research, recipes, consumer trends, the latest products and more. Sign Up Now You May Also Like Insights Content Spotlight New FS/TEC Technology Guide helps restaurants navigate complex tech landscape The FS/TEC Restaurant Technology Guide is a free digital resource for operators Read More Featured Fast Casual CAVA CEO Brett Schulman shares blueprint for fast casual chain’s early growth CAVA CEO Brett Schulman shares blueprint for fast casual chain’s early growth Oct 30, 2025 Recent News Fast Casual Shake Shack also has a value proposition Shake Shack also has a value proposition by Bret Thorn Oct 30, 2025 6 Min Read Casual Dining Content Spotlight Get to know Rick Cardenas, the Darden CEO who started there as a busser The executive shares his advice, along with his most-binged TV show, favorite sports team, and most-used app Watch Now
Source