A food-based business could be a potential path if you’re a foodie with an entrepreneurial streak. There are many types of restaurants that you can consider, and each one has something unique that customers could end up loving. If you’re unsure about the different types of restaurants and what options are right for you, this article will help you understand what’s out there and where your business could fit.
The U.S. Restaurant Industry in 2022
Although it looked like restaurants were having a tough time in the last few years, that’s not entirely the case. Restaurants are a resilient type of business as long as there’s a good product and customers like it.
The number of fine dining establishments and casual dining restaurants has both gone up in recent years. Another trend that has recently emerged is the uptick in virtual restaurants that use delivery apps to deliver food, using ghost kitchens for prep rather than investing in a brick-and-mortar location.
- READ MORE: Small Business Ideas for Beginners
Restaurant Categorization Factors
The basis for categorizing restaurants depends on the restaurant concept and the customer experience.
So what are the categories for places that serve food?
Food: This will largely depend on the type of cuisine offered and its preparation. The food type and the ingredients used will need to be considered.
Formality: The other factor is the restaurant’s general ambiance and atmosphere. Fast food restaurants have a distinct type of feel compared to upscale restaurants, so think about the dining concept you’re offering customers.
Price: The food prices will also determine the type of restaurant. What kind of dining experience do you want them to have? A casual atmosphere or an upscale atmosphere? Do the prices reflect that? Think about the average price points for restaurants in your area and how they categorize themselves. For example, a meal at a fast-casual restaurant will be priced differently than at a formal sit-down restaurant.
- READ MORE: 18 Restaurant Design Tips
XX Different Types of Restaurants
So now that we’ve gone through the categories, we’ll look at the different types of establishments that serve food. There are many different types you can opt for, so it depends on what you’re most interested in and where there is the most demand for local restaurants in the market you’re considering.
1. Fine Dining Restaurants
One of the main distinctions that set fine dining restaurants apart from others is the presence of table service and a formal dining room. That means staff members like hosts, servers, and even a formal dress code for patrons.
The type of ingredients used (e.g., fresh, seasonal), availability of alcoholic beverages, and the culinary experience of the chefs will also dictate whether a restaurant is considered fine dining. Food, drink, and service will be more expensive in these types of restaurants.
2. Casual Dining Restaurants
Casual dining restaurants tend to be trendier than their counterparts, with a more playful and exciting menu. A casual dining establishment tends to have a relaxed atmosphere, and there can be full table service as well, but it won’t be as formal. Instead, a contemporary casual restaurant will likely have some creative menu item or a signature dish that attracts customers.
3. Fast Food Restaurants
As the name suggests, fast food restaurants provide quick service at low prices. A quick service restaurant like this one will offer counter service where customers order at the counter and take the food to their table. A fast food restaurant is about giving customers a simple, easy, fast food service, with some being open 24/7. There are many popular fast food chains that you can get inspiration from, like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Burger King, and more.
4. Pop-Up Restaurant
Pop-up restaurants are relatively new in the industry but have quickly gained popularity. This type of restaurant tends to be a temporary experience; that’s why it’s considered a pop-up. It will usually be similar to casual dining establishments by renting a space or have outdoor seating in a unique setting.
Pop-ups tend to b centered around specific types of food, such as gourmet hot dogs, donuts, and other fried foods, street food, such as Thai or Indian food, and more. The food items are interesting and unique, and the popup element gives it a. bit more buzz and builds excitement with customers.
5. Fast Casual Restaurants
Fast casual restaurants are somewhere in between casual dining establishments and fast food restaurants. These restaurants generally have counter service, are at a lower fixed price compared to casual dining, and are known as quick service restaurants. For example, Chipotle could be considered a fast-casual dining experience. Business districts tend to be the best market for this type of restaurant since there are many people looking for reasonable and quick lunch options near the office.
6. Family Style Restaurants
Family-style restaurants differ from fine dining restaurants and casual dining restaurants because of the portion sizes served. There is usually table service at a family-style restaurant, but the portions are larger and meant to be shared among the table rather than individual plates. The menus are generally pretty simple, and pricing is moderate, with many food types and side dishes available, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
7. Contemporary Casual Restaurants
A little bit niche, perhaps, but contemporary casual has become very popular over the last few years. This type of restaurant could include small neighborhood restaurants, ethnic restaurants serving spicy food, or fusion cuisine. These restaurants tend to be a bit more modern and relaxed and serve culinary trends and contemporary menu items.
8. Food Trucks
If you’re looking for something that lets you move around rather than committing to a specific location, consider a food truck. Food trucks do not offer any seating space and park in different places depending on the city and what’s allowed. Food trucks are usually found in urban and metropolitan areas with heavy foot traffic and park in one place so customers can order. Usually, food trucks are situated near parks or other areas where customers can find a place to sit, but that’s not a requirement.
- READ MORE: 11 Top Fast Food Franchises to Consider
What Restaurant Types Are the Most Popular?
There are many types of restaurants that continue to be popular with customers. Restaurants that focus on the quality of the food served and create a distinct flavor profile tend to be the most popular as they become destination restaurants. Popular restaurants serve high-quality, memorable food that is priced at a good value depending on the type of customer they are hoping to attract.
What Restaurant Type Is the Most Profitable?
Popular fast-food restaurants, especially fast-food chains, tend to be the most profitable. Because the brand is already established and known by customers, fast food restaurants can comparatively generate profits at a quicker pace, but that is not a guarantee. Many restaurants in the casual space have become profitable based on the culinary trends they offer and the food quality.
Image: Envato Elements
More in: Develop an Idea