As restaurants head into 2026, operators are rethinking how hospitality shows up beyond the four walls.
Stephanie Jaeger, Learning and Development Specialist at JOEY Restaurant Group and Immediate Past President of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI)—a global philanthropic organization of women leaders in food, beverage, and hospitality—shared her outlook for 2026 in an email Q&A.
Elevating digital hospitality
Off-premises dining is evolving beyond speed and convenience.
“Restaurants will continue elevating the off-premise experience far beyond simple transactions. Thoughtful touches like complimentary thank-you desserts, surprise upgrades, or personalized notes are becoming a new standard for ‘stepped-up’ digital hospitality.”
Stephanie Jaeger, Learning and Development Specialist at JOEY Restaurant Group.
Visual accuracy is also becoming essential, with brands investing in regularly updated food photography so online menus reflect what guests actually receive. At the same time, personalization is expanding beyond in-store interactions and into takeout and delivery, fueled by more effective use of guest data.
“Tracking guests’ previous orders allows restaurants to tailor suggestions or upgrades based on known preferences.”
Menus themselves are increasingly designed with off-premises performance in mind.
They will be engineered “more intentionally for travel, focusing on packaging, plating, and portions to ensure the food arrives in its best form.”
Operators are also investing in more connected technology.
“Integrated delivery dashboards that combine third-party and in-house orders are helping teams move faster and with fewer errors.”
Loyalty and personalization
Loyalty programs are continuing to evolve beyond discounts and points.
“Loyalty is rapidly evolving from a transactional, points-based model to an experiential one.”
For repeat guests, recognition is becoming more thoughtful and less overtly promotional.
“Returning guests are rewarded with tailored perks like a favorite dish ‘on us,’ access to exclusive tastings, or invitations to preview new items…Birthday rewards are also becoming more elevated, expanding beyond free desserts to include VIP seating, personalized messages, or tableside moments.”
When loyalty is fully integrated with reservations and ordering platforms, its value extends well beyond marketing.
“The real advantage is in the data. Restaurants can use loyalty insights to guide menu decisions, spot emerging trends earlier, and deliver more personalized experiences both on- and off-premise.”
Private dining and holiday catering
“Private dining is shifting toward highly curated, experiential formats with family-style menus, buffets, share boards, plated courses, and even chef-led stations that feel immersive.”
Breakfast and daytime private events are gaining traction, helping restaurants unlock new revenue.
Holiday catering also remains a strong opportunity.
“Seasonal catering kits, such as Thanksgiving turkey packages with elevated finishing touches, continue to perform well by offering convenience without sacrificing quality.”
Enhancing the human touch
Technology’s role in 2026 is focused on supporting hospitality.
“AI will play a larger role in guest-facing recommendations and ordering support, helping guests narrow choices or discover dishes based on their preferences.”
Behind the scenes, data is enabling restaurants to anticipate guest needs and operate more proactively.
“Restaurants will continue to refine how they use data to anticipate needs, informing staffing, pre-prep, and even making proactive suggestions.”
That same approach is driving continued investment in experience design.
“I expect increased investment in private dining content and experience design, as well as continued growth in ‘digital hospitality,’ where technology enhances, not replaces, the human touch.”
