Today's Most Popular Types of Restaurants

Quick-Service Restaurants

Quick-service restaurant (QSR) is the industry-preferred name for what many refer to as fast-food establishments. The typical hallmarks of QSRs are fast service, lower price points, and the inclusion of a drive-thru service. Dine-in seating may be available, but table service is generally not provided. With a focus on speed, convenience, and high volume, QSRs typically serve menu items that are quick to prepare, such as burgers, sandwiches, and fried foods.

Because of their affordability and fast service, these establishments are generally considered the most widely accessible restaurant type. Their customer base may include commuters, traveling families, students on a budget, and anyone else looking for a fast, easy meal. QSRs are often considered a staple of American culture, but the fast turnaround of the meals can limit your menu options. Anything with a long prep time and any food item that can't be conveniently taken on the go generally don't perform well in this format.

Fast-Casual Restaurants

Fast-casual operations are a relatively new restaurant category. These businesses are often part of a chain and may offer a more varied menu with higher price points, but they still emphasize convenience and affordability. More customizable menu options show up in these operations, with popular concepts including made-to-order Mexican-inspired dishes, paninis, and personalized bowls and salads. While dine-in seating is typical, traditional table service is generally not offered.

Fast-casual restaurants, as the name suggests, blend quick service with a more elevated dining experience. Unlike QSRs, drive-thrus are uncommon, but they often provide takeout or delivery options. These restaurants usually feature a slightly more upscale design while maintaining a casual atmosphere.

Casual Dining Restaurants

Casual dining restaurants are among the most popular foodservice establishments. The appeal of these operations comes from their emphasis on comfort and full table service while maintaining moderate prices.

Typically featuring a relaxed atmosphere and cohesive theme, casual dining restaurants charge slightly higher prices than QSRs and fast-casual restaurants. They're popular destinations for a family meal or a special occasion that doesn't require formal attire or significant expenses.

Thanks to their full service and casual atmospheres, these operations provide versatility in both menu and experience. Casual dining restaurants have found massive success offering everything from BBQ to Asian cuisine. Their popularity is not only due to customer appeal, but also because of their greater profit opportunities. Customers at these restaurants are more likely to splurge on appetizers, drinks, and desserts while enjoying the full-service experience.

Contemporary-Casual Restaurants

One of the fastest-rising restaurant types, contemporary-casual establishments are similar to casual dining restaurants but typically feature an innovative, trendy spin. Driven by shifting consumer values, many contemporary-casual restaurants emphasize sustainability through locally sourced or organic ingredients and eco-friendly packaging for takeout orders. More specialized beverage options, often including craft beers, add to the appeal of these restaurants for many patrons. Menus may feature innovative dishes, fusion cuisine, or house-made and farm-to-table options.

While prices at contemporary-casual restaurants can run higher than casual dining spots, customers are often willing to pay more for a vibrant, trendy dining experience. These restaurants are often an attractive concept for chefs with a passion for creative and experimental concepts. However, the success of these operations often heavily hinges on the operator's ability to keep up with evolving culinary trends. When done right, these restaurants can be hugely profitable, drawing in younger crowds and earning attention on social media platforms.

Pubs & Breweries

While beverages are immediately associated with pubs and breweries, these operations often feature a robust food menu. They typically include comforting, hearty dishes like burgers and pizzas, as any dish that pairs well with beer naturally finds success in a pub or brewery. These operations often embrace cozy, rustic decor to create a casual atmosphere, but some may opt for a more specific theme.

Full table service is uncommon, but some operations will provide it, and while bar seating is popular, most pubs and breweries include plenty of other seating options to accommodate groups of patrons. Price points fall in the medium-to-high range, aimed to make a profit without deterring guests from spending money on drinks. Especially amid the rising popularity of craft beer, many pubs and breweries have seen significant success by offering weekly specials, seasonal brews, and rotating selections on tap to maintain interest and gain repeat customers.

Food Trucks

Food trucks owe their popularity to the novelty and convenience of a fully mobile kitchen. From concerts to catering, they've become a staple at outdoor events. Operators are often attracted to food trucks because of the relatively low startup costs and the ample opportunities for serving new and different customer demographics thanks to their inherent mobility. Food trucks have even found success in partnering with other operations, such as bars and cafes featuring outdoor patio areas.

Because of the limited storage capabilities, most food trucks feature limited menus. This is not necessarily a drawback, however, as specialized menus often appeal to customers seeking a quick snack or portable meal at an event. Many food trucks opt for serving street foods or desserts such as churros and shaved ice. Of all the restaurant concepts, food trucks are arguably the most adaptable, able to respond quickly to market trends and location-specific needs.

Pop-Up Restaurants

One of the newest emerging types of restaurants is the pop-up kitchen. As implied by the name, these temporary operations take over unconventional locations, such as empty warehouses, outdoor tents, or even inside another restaurant. Pop-up restaurants thrive on intrigue and the allure of limited-time availability.

These concepts operate for a single night or span an entire season, depending on what's being offered. Many operators are attracted to the concept of a pop-up kitchen because it offers a low-risk opportunity to experiment without the full financial commitment of a traditional storefront. Equipment and rental costs are typically far lower for pop-ups than permanent restaurants. However, because of their temporary nature, pop-ups may have some limitations on volume and menu variety.

Ghost Kitchens

Ghost Kitchens, sometimes called virtual restaurants, are another recent addition to the foodservice world. These operations generally lack a storefront or seating; instead, business is conducted through orders placed online, over the phone, or through third-party delivery services. All meals are either delivered or picked up. Ghost kitchen concepts first arose a few years ago, but they grew to greater popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing protocols accelerated demand for delivery-based dining. They seem to be here to stay, as many customers enjoy the convenience of having meals delivered straight to their homes or offices.

While the terms "ghost restaurant" and "ghost kitchens" are often used interchangeably, there is a difference. A ghost restaurant has no physical location for accommodating customers, while a ghost kitchen may prepare delivery orders for one or more restaurants with physical locations elsewhere.¹ These operations are popular not only because of the convenience for customers, but also thanks to the lower costs of operation. As there's no need for front-of-house staff, a dining area, or decor, ghost restaurants only need kitchen staff and delivery drivers to keep the operation running smoothly.

Buffets

Among the different types of eateries, buffet dining is an older trend. After the COVID-19 pandemic, it declined in popularity, but in recent years, the style has gained traction due to innovative concepts. Traditionally, American buffets have focused on comfort foods, including soups, salads, casseroles, and pasta dishes. However, many newer buffet-style operations feature more specialized or ethnic foods that appeal to a broader customer base.

Buffets offer all-you-can-eat food at affordable prices, attracting customers who want to have their own portion control and can't decide on just one dish. Most buffets are self-serve, but some have shifted to staff-served models to establish a healthier environment. They typically appeal to large gatherings or families who have a variety of tastes and want affordable options.

Useful Equipment:

• Buffet and food bar equipment
• Sneeze guards

Fine Dining Restaurants

Also known as haute cuisine (pronounced "owt"), fine dining establishments offer quality ingredients served with tradition and presentation in mind. These restaurants usually serve multiple courses of small portions, focused on the aesthetic and environment.

Fine dining is the most upscale kind of restaurant, offering full service with highly trained waiting staff and luxurious environments. These establishments maintain strict standards for quality, cleanliness, and professionalism, and many aspire to earn one, two, or three Michelin stars. Their dining experiences rely on elevated presentation of food, including eye-catching plates and glassware.

Useful Equipment:

• Dinnerware
• Glassware

Cafes & Specialty Drink Shops

Cafes offer a welcoming environment where patrons can relax, read, study, or chat. They're often more community-focused and are popular spots for meetups.

Cafes offer menus centered around caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea. Many also offer items like pastries, bagels, and sandwiches, either made in-house or sourced from local bakeries. They usually offer economical prices, but some trendy shops may charge premium costs. While some offer table service, counter service is more common. Because of their gathering-spot nature, most cafes offer dine-in options with comfortable seating, access to power outlets, and complimentary Wi-Fi for customers wanting to work with electronic devices.

Operations similar to cafes include boba tea shops or smoothie bars.

Useful Equipment:

• Hot beverage equipment
• Tea equipment
• Blenders

Concession Stands

Though sometimes not categorized as traditional restaurants, concession stands account for a large share of the foodservice industry. These operations range from small shaved ice stands to larger kitchens equipped with their own fryers, storage, and drink service. They are most often seen serving large crowds at event venues, attractions, or entertainment arenas. They don't have table service and rarely offer seating at the stand. Featuring simple menus with a lower price point, they usually serve handheld food made to be easily carried, like hot dogs.

Concession stands offer high profit margins and are relatively easy to operate. Today, concession stand trends have shifted to highlight unique ethnic and eye-catching foods.² Photo-worthy food with global flavors makes concession food stand out, but classic concession snacks like popcorn and pretzels are sure to perform well.

Useful Equipment:

• Concession equipment and supplies
• Hot dog equipment