In the final podcast episode of 2025, Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sat down with Suzy Badaracco, President of Culinary Tides, to explore the trends that will define the restaurant industry in 2026. The conversation revealed a shifting landscape where traditional assumptions about consumer behavior are being challenged by emerging demographics and evolving expectations.
Gen Z is Rewriting the Rules on Value and Experience
The discussion highlighted a fundamental shift in how younger consumers approach dining decisions. According to Badaracco, Gen Z isn’t necessarily shopping for the cheapest option—they’re looking for smart choices that justify the spend. “They will pay for the experience,” she explained, noting that this generation approaches dining as a social currency rather than just a meal. Without the overhead costs of mortgages and families, younger consumers are allocating their disposable income differently, prioritizing experiences that feel intentional, shareable, and customizable. The key insight: Gen Z isn’t cheap, they’re risk-averse, and they won’t buy if they feel uncertain about their choice.
The Speed Versus Experience Dilemma Isn’t What We Thought
One of the podcast’s most interesting revelations centered on how consumers perceive wait times and service speed. Badaracco challenged the industry’s obsession with speed, noting that Gen Z doesn’t hate waiting—they hate not knowing what’s happening. The solution isn’t always faster service, but rather clear communication and understanding of what to expect. The conversation also touched on “vibe”—that intangible atmosphere that determines whether customers choose to dine in or take their food elsewhere. As Cansler noted from her own observations with teenagers, many prefer picking up from places like Chipotle rather than eating in simply because the atmosphere doesn’t give them anything to feel.
AI and Technology: Enhancement or Replacement?
The hosts and their guest debated one of the industry’s most pressing questions: will AI replace hospitality jobs? Badaracco maintained that AI cannot replace true hospitality, but rather removes operational clutter so genuine human connection can shine through. However, Barron pushed back, drawing parallels to 2007-2009 when industry leaders dismissed the iPhone’s impact on restaurant operations. “I think AI is just the next iPhone,” he argued, suggesting the industry might be underestimating how quickly consumers will adapt. The consensus: while bots can handle transactions, humans handle moments—and consumers are looking for those memorable moments that create lasting impressions.
Menu Innovation and the Comfort Food Paradox
Surprisingly, the panel predicted that comfort food won’t dominate menus in 2026, despite economic pressures that would have historically driven consumers toward mac and cheese and meatloaf. Badaracco attributed this to COVID-19 permanently raising society’s “fear level set point”—meaning it takes much more to panic consumers than it did pre-pandemic. Instead, the industry should watch for mood-based menus focused on stress relief, energy, and wellness—concepts already successful in the supplement industry with brands like AG1. Barron also predicted the rise of subscription dining services, describing them as “Netflix for dining,” where consumers pay a flat monthly fee for optimized access to restaurant menus powered by AI.
The Off-Premise Dining Evolution Continues
As the conversation turned to delivery and off-premise dining, the experts agreed that the experience economy has firmly moved into consumers’ homes. Cansler highlighted examples like Outback Steakhouse’s new program offering a second fully cooked entrée with a side for just $10 to take home, and Chipotle’s build-your-own meal kits for four to six people. The trend toward experiential catering and elevated takeout options will intensify in 2026, with brands needing to “up their game” to compete in an increasingly crowded space. The panel also touched on “anti-viral marketing”—Cansler’s prediction that successful brands will stop chasing viral moments and instead create exclusive, “you had to be there” experiences that generate organic word-of-mouth rather than forced social media campaigns.
