AI, Gen Alpha, and more global restaurant trends to watch according to one expert

AI-driven dining rooms adjusting ambiance based on consumer moods. Robot-powered food factories cranking out delivery orders without a single human worker. An entire generation of consumers expecting foodservice brands to adapt to their needs using algorithms.

Depending on your attitude toward technology, this is either a dystopian society or an exciting new frontier for restaurants. Rafael LaRue thinks it’s the latter; the chief creative officer for global consulting firm Livit and operator Fast Fine Restaurant Group makes a career out of studying global restaurant trends and sees plenty of opportunity for AI and other technologies to improve the foodservice experience.

LaRue sat down with NRN’s editor in chief Sam Oches at the recent Restaurant Leadership Conference to talk more at length about the trends he sees unfolding globally that will likely influence U.S. operations in the near future.

In this conversation, you’ll learn more about why:

• There is no one-size-fits-all approach to developing concepts

• AI lets GMs and employees focus solely on guests

• AI can create one-of-a-kind restaurant experiences

• Gen Alpha is the algorithm generation — and could totally disrupt restaurants