WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Restaurant Association, whose new chairman of the board is New Orleans native Melvin Rodrique, recently released it’s “What’s Hot” survey of restaurant trends. More than 600 American Culinary Federation chefs answered an online survey in which they were given a list of 133 items in 12 categories. They were asked to rate how hot they thought each would be on a scale from “sizzling hot to steaming, simmering or just room temperature.” The top 10 results are here:
Top 10 overall restaurant trends for 2020
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Scratchmade
- Plant-based proteins
- Healthy bowls
- Creativity with catering
- Delivery-friendly menu items
- Revamped classic cocktails
- Stress relievers (ingredients that promote relaxation/relieve stress)
- Specialty burger blends (mushroom-beef burgers, etc.)
- Unique beef and pork cuts
Rodrigue, who is also the president and CEO of Galatoire’s Restaurants, said that delivery-friendly menus are becoming more prevalent locally.
“The culinary environment in New Orleans is unlike that of any other city in the world,” said Rodrigue. “Although the unique experience of a New Orleans restaurant is irreplaceable, delivery is enabling guests to enjoy New Orleans’ dynamic cuisine wherever is most convenient. I’m excited to see how operators will continue to adapt their menus to accommodate this trend and how it will unfold in 2020 and beyond.”