More consumers are seeking dining experiences versus just meals.
Yelp data finds that more diners are seeking options that prioritize entertainment and uniqueness.
KPOT's sales jumped 34% last year as more consumers seek experiential dining.
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.
KPOT, meanwhile, jumped by 34% to finish 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.