This collection of restaurant innovations shows that there is much room for improvement when it comes to this industry. Although people and companies are already taking steps in the right direction, there is much more that can be done when it comes to customer service, eco-friendly packaging and more. Granted, these examples of restaurant innovations are quite exciting, setting the stage for more clever and creative creations in the future.
From easy access takeout containers to healthy fast food deliveries and even mobile dining wait lists, there are many restaurant innovations that make life easier when enjoying a meal outside of the traditional kitchen setting. As people become busier in their daily lives, such shortcuts make life much more convenient.
15 Convenient Restaurant Innovations
From Tearable Takeout Sacks to Healthy Fast Food Deliveries:
Meghan Young — Oct 14, 2014 — Lifestyle
20
Dynamic Food Packaging
Prime Star's Healthy Food Branding is Quirky and Active
19
Tearable Takeout Sacks
The Simplistic Box Bag Design Rips in Half for Easy Food-Carrying
18
Revolutionary Beverage Containers
The 'Compleat' Mug Eliminates Lid Usage and is Eco-Friendly
17
Mobile Champagne Bars
Veuve Clicquot's Pop-Up Bar Concept Offers Luxury On the Go
16
Portable Communal Bentos
The Amrita Kulkarni 'Dine-In' Concept Brings Families Together
15
Sanitary Sushi Cutlery
Mikiya Kobayashi's 'Restless Chopticks' Are Germ-free
14
Pop-Up Pasta Restaurants
This Temporary Restaurant Served a Variety of Gluten-Free Pasta Dishes
13
Hybrid Straw Chopsticks
Julian Lechner's 'Soup Sticks' are Perfect for Fans of Asian Cuisine
12
Sushi Burrito Restaurants
Sushirrito Combines Two Separate Meals for an Epic Hybrid
11
Storefront Mimicking Websites
The KFC Menu is Now Available for Online Ordering
10
Origami-Inspired Crepe Cones
Lauren Shimming Revamps A.B.'s Coffee and Crepes Take-Out Packaging
9
Restaurant Pre-Order Apps
The Settle Restaurant Payment App Lets You Pre-Order and Pre-Pay
8
Healthy Fast-Food Deliveries
Spoonrockets Deliveries Healthy and Organic Meals Within 10 Minutes
7
QR Restaurant Waitlists
Scan and Reserve Tables With the Convenient WalkIN App
6
Simplified Food-Finding Apps
The myfab5 App Cuts Through to Find a Good Restaurant Easier
5
Rapid Gourmet Delivery Apps
The L'appero App Delivers On Demand Foodie-Friendly Packages
4
Fast Food Deliveries
Burger King is Testing Out BK Delivery Service in Select States
3
Special Dietary Restaurant Apps
Turnyp is a the Restaurant Guide App for Bounded Diets
2
Gourmet Burger Delivery
Builtburger Lets You Customize Deliciousness Direct to Your Door
1
Pre-Planned Meal Pickup Apps
The 'Foodo' Food Ordering App Lets You Browse Menus and Pre-Order
Related Ideas
Smart Fridge Vending Machines
Subway is Testing a Vending Machine Filled with Pre-Made Sandwiches
Streaming Service Restaurants
The Netflix Bites Pop-Up Serves Dishes from Netflix Series
Minimalist QSR Packaging Designs
This Updated McDonald’s Japan Packaging Includes 70 Updates
Hot Sandwich Vending Machines
The Toastyfresh AutoServe Offers Patrons a Self-Serve Experience
Bento-Inspired School Lunches
DoorDash and Jessica Biel Debut Ready-Made Lunch Options for $25
Paper-Based Tray Packaging
Verday Vegan Meats are Packed in Shallow Food Trays Made for Recycling
Food-Inspired Apparel Collections
Vandy The Pink Releases New Burger-Themed Apparel Collection
Walk-In Freezer Concept Stores
Sainsfreeze Shows Customers How to Freeze Foods & Reduce Waste
Shapeshifting Restaurant Robots
The Conceptual Rotating Table Service Robot is Efficient
Ready-to-Heat Meal Services
TEMPO Delivers Both Convenience and Taste
Online Merchandise Storefronts
The Panera Shop Gives Access to Bread-themed Apparel & Carb-Couture
Snack-Holding Suit Accessories
Hot Pockets Square Arrives Ahead of Prom Season
Digital Sustainable Food Solutions
Special Projects Debuts Eco Lenses to Help with Decision-Making
Multicultural Pop-Up Restaurants
OpenTable's Dine London Shares the Taste of Global Destinations
Sustainable QSR Tablewares
This Reusable Tableware from the Elium Studio is for McDonald's France
Automated Robotic Salad Bars
The sweetgreen Infinite Kitchen is Being Tested in Illinois
Architecture-Inspired QSR Ads
This New McDonald’s Campaign Encourages Eating at Home
Playful Restaurant Pop-Ups
The Play-Doh Restaurant of Imagination Turns Kids' Creations Edible
Underground Delivery Systems
Wendy's & Pipedream are Changing Mobile Order Delivery
Smart Food Transportation Systems
Runner Delivery System Ensures Pizzas Arrive Ultra-Fresh
Tamper-Evident Takeout Bags
The Duro Load & Fold Shopping Bags Offer Enhanced Security
Automated Hot Food Kiosks
Sodexo and Automated Retail Technologies Teamed Up for New Kiosks
Take-Out Box Tables
The McDonald's TableBag Packaging Doubles as a Dining Surface
Multifunctional Glass Food Containers
These Containers Are Shatterproof, Stackable and Stylish
AI-Powered Snack Shops
The Aramark Quick Eats Store Has a Checkout-Free Layout
Digital Fast-Food Restaurants
YUM! Brands is Expanding its Technologies for Digital Sales
Branded Insulated Suits
Domino's Heat Suit Keeps People Warm with Pizza Delivery Bag Tech
Sustainable Restaurant Meal Kits
Moveable Feast is an Eco Fine Dining Meal Kit Delivery Service
AI-Powered QSR Campaigns
allplants Leverages AI To Transforms Fast-Food Ads
Customizable Sauce Dispensers
Kraft Heinz Debuts a Customizable Sauce Dispenser for QSRs
Homemade Meal Delivery Apps
Toronto Food Delivery App Cookin Brings Homemade Meals to Your Door
Indian Cuisine-Inspired Pizza Menus
The Papa Johns Tandoori Menu is Launching in the UK
Vibrant Freezable Lunch Boxes
Packit® Launches the Playtime Lunch Boxes Line
Artisan-Inspired Summertime Cafe Menus
This New Dunkin’ Menu Offers New Twists on Classics
RFID-Enabled Tableware
Checkpoint Systems & McDonald's France are Enhancing Reusable Tableware
Mobile All-in-One Ramen Restaurants
2m26 Designs a Compact Restaurant with Locally Sourced Timber
Food Truck Billboards
McDonald's Transformed Billboards into Digital Food Truck Displays
Multifunctional Cardboard QSR Packaging
McDonald's and Leo Burnett Unveil the Tablebag
Leisure Activity Grocery Stores
The FreshTake Concept Grocery Store Blends Experiences
Snackable Back-to-School Lunches
Little Spoon's Lunchers are Nutritious Meals for Big Kids
Healthy Eating Grocery Initiatives
Instacart Introduces New 'Instacart Health' Project
Compostable Foodservice Packaging
The Eco-Products GreenStripe Line Has New Bags and Wraps
AI-Powered Food Waste Reduction
SnapSnack Uses AI To Turn Ingredients Into Meals
Outdoor Food Lockers
The OrderHQ Exterior Smart Food Locker Frees Up Valuable Interior Space
Origami-Inspired Lunch Boxes
The FoldiBox 2 Box has a Flatpack and Technical Design
Halloween Food-Delivery Campaigns
Grubhub is Encouraging Customers to Order-In with New Campaign
Automated Ice Cream Restaurants
The ColdSnap Will Be Offered in Restaurants in the Near Future
Nutritious Meal Delivery Service
Factor's Meal Delivery Service Revolutionizes Healthy Eating
Collectible Lunch Box Giveaways
Taco Bell is Launching a Lunch Box Giveaway with DoorDash
Recyclable Windowed Packaging
Coveris Debuts the New Packaging for Simply Lunch’s Stir Me Up Range
Expansive Tex-Mex QSR Menus
These New Taco Bell Menu Items are Arriving for 2024
Moroccan-Inspired Frozen Entrees
Saffron Road's Heat-and-Eat Meals are Ready in Minutes
Freezable Snack Boxes
PackIt Offers Its Freezable Snack Boxes in a Variety of Patterns
Pizza-Focused Climate Campaigns
Pizza Futures Explores the Impact of Climate Change on Pizza
RFID-Equipped QSR Containers
McDonald's France Launches RFID Containers Across 1,200 Locations
Self-Ordering Table Systems
GoTab Launches the Self-Ordering Kiosks for Table Service Businesses
Sustainable QSR Litter Adverts
McDonald's Malta Presents New Captivating Eco-Centric Campaigns
QSR-Inspired Apparel Collections
McDonald's and CLOT Launch Apparel Collection with Meal Packaging
Digitally Led Bakery-Cafes
Panera's Small-Format Store Has a Digitized Menu & Tracking Screens
Food-Inspired Tech Accessories
Vandy the Pink and CASETiFY Debut a Fast Food-Focused Collection
Eco-Friendly Burger Packaging
GreenDustries' PleatPak Packaging Blends Sustainability and Function
Plant-Based Chicken Alternatives
Recreate Foods Makes Nuggets, Filets & More for Foodservice
Reusable Contactless Cups
Starbucks' Borrow a Cup Pilot Explores Reusable, Recyclable Packaging
Omnichannel Grocery Technologies
Instacart Launches the New Omnichannel Solutions for Grocers
Online-Only QSR Snack Packs
The Burger King Snack Box is Packed with Ample Snacks
Spicy Virtual Restaurants
The Hot Ones Pop-Up Restaurant Puts Taste Buds to the Test
Microwave-Ready Snack Products
The Individually Wrapped Veggies Made Great Products are Flavorful
Interactive Digital Menus
Tabmeal Empowers Restaurants to Revolutionize the Way Guests Order
Eco-Friendly QSR Coffee Lids
Tim Hortons Plans to Migrate to Using Sustainable Cutlery in 2023
Plant-Powered Food Halls
Saluhall is a New Dining Concept by IKEA's Parent Company
Elevated Sandwich Catering Menus
The Jimmy John's Catering Menu Has New Premium Sides
Plant-Based Picnic Packs
The Shake Shack Veg Out Picnic Kit Includes Food for Two
Takeout Box-Themed Bags
Saint Laurent Launches Two Takeaway Box Bags in Black and Brown
Heat-and-Eat Toasts
Rudi's Bakery Creates Convenient, Quality Frozen Toasts
Paper-Based Instant Noodle Cups
The Pot Noodle Paper Pot Design is Headed to Tesco
Automated Functioning QSRs
A Robotic McDonald's May be Slowly in the Works with New Location
QSR Food-Inspired Door Designs
McDonald's France Launches a New Digital Campaign of Door Visuals
Food Court Footwear Shops
Skechers' Food Spot Drives Foot Traffic to the Footwear Store
Kid-Focused Meal Containers
b.box Launches the Kid-Approved Eco-Friendly Bento Boxes for Meals
Digital CPG Catalogues
Haven's Kitchen Uses QR Codes to Advertise its Product Portfolio
Buildable Dinner Boxes
DIG's Dinner in a Box is Affordably Priced and Serves Four
Retail Food Preparation Stations
Urban Eat Debuts a Smart Retail Solution for its Food-to-Go Range
Expanded Food Delivery Apps
Instacart Partners with Uber Eats to Expand its Delivery Services
Sandwich-Heating Vending Machines
The Kepak Hot Vend Kiosk Provides Foods in 80-Seconds
Heat-to-Eat Snack Ranges
This Urban Eat Food-to-Go Range Can Be Heated Inside its Packaging
Short-Form Foodie Feeds
Uber Eats is Testing Out a New Vertical Feed Like TikTok and Instagram
Low-Cost QSR Snack Boxes
The Burger King $5 Snack Box Comes in Three Options
Recyclable Takeout Packaging Services
Uber Eats Begins the Reusable Packaging Trials in London
Family-Focused Meal Kits
Home Chef's Family Menu Features Meal Kits for Families
Nostalgic Vegan Fast Food
Mr.Charlie's Meatless Meals Make Adults Feel Like Kids Again
Digital QSR-Backed Cookbooks
Chick-fil-A Unveils a Cookbook to Support its Shared Table Program
Sustainable Personal Cup Initiatives
Starbucks is Allowing Personal Cups to Be Used Again
Reusable Cafe Packaging
SFU Reduces Waste with Tap to Reuse and Smart Return Bin Tech
Restaurant-Style At-Home Tacos
Taco Bell Launches the New Craving Kits for At-Home Taco Night
Revised QSR Packaging Policies
YUM Brands Unveils a New Packaging Policy for its Restaurants
Heat-and-Eat Pizza Bowls
Banquet MEGA Crustless Pizzas are Cheesy, Saucy and Loaded with Toppings
Restaurant-Inspired Frozen Comfort Foods
The Boston Market At Home Frozen Foods Has Been Expanded
Breakfast-Included Sandwich Menus
The Urban Eat Relaunch Includes Foods for All Times of Day
Fine Dining Meal Deliveries
The 'Entrée' Meal Kit Delivery Service Offers Michelin Star Dishes
Biodegradable Fast Food Uniforms
These McDonald's Uniforms Use 'CiClo' Fabric Technology
Actor-Led Chicken Concepts
Stranger Things Star Noah Schnapp Launched Tenderfix with Nextbite
All-Electric Restaurant Concepts
This Chipotle Restaurant Design Harnesses Wind & Solar Power
Virtual Pizza Restaurants
Pizza Piatta Makes Modern Italian Flatbread Pizza Fresh & Convenient
Flavor-Enhanced QSR Wrap Menus
The McDonald’s McWrap and Chicken Snack Wrap Menu Has Been Revamped
Tech-Focused Restaurant Councils
Lunchbox's Food Tech Council Consists of 15 Professionals
Ready-to-Cook Restaurant-Inspired Products
Tesco Taste Shack Has Chicken Dishes, Sides and More
Clean Microwavable Meals
Good To-Go's Microwavable Meal Cups Simplify Favorite Recipes
Same-Day Grocer Delivery Benefits
Instacart and SNAP Will Offer Same-Day Delivery for Recipients
All-in-One Restaurant Invoicing Software
'Toast Invoicing' Streamlines Multi-Invoicing Processes
Virtual Restaurant Drive-Thrus
Smashburger's Virtual Drive-Thru Offers Convenience & Accessibility
Eco Fast Food Meals
PLNT Burger's Cool Kids Meal Inspires Kids to Make Different Meal Choices
One-Swipe Ordering Solutions
Panera's Crunch Time Ordering Connects Guest With Food Fast
Football Weekend QSR Promotions
The Wendy's Deal-ivery Promotion Offers Ample Deals
Globally-Inspired Ready-to-Eat Foods
The Asda Food-to-Go Range Has 47 New Options
Pink Sushi Boxes
Dept. Sushi Serves Up Sushi in Chic, Vibrant Boxes
Drive-Thru Conveyor Belts
This McDonald's Drive-Thru Supports Customers on the Go
Location-Based QSR Technology
Chipotle is Integrating Location-Based Technology Into its App
Updated Fresh Food Lines
One Stop Refreshes its Product Range to Offer Healthier and Fresher Items
One-Star Cookbooks
Deliveroo's Cookbook Shares Dishes Inspired by Low Reviews
Bake-in-Pack Sandwich Products
The Country Choice Savour It Range Prioritizes Convenient Cuisine
Efficiency-Optimized Snack Packaging
This Kellanova Snack Packaging Has Reduced Plastic
Stylish QSR-Backed Apparel
Panera Bread Unveils its New Menu-Inspired Merchandise Collection
Grab-and-Go Hot Food Services
The Onvo Food on the Fly Program Prioritizes Time Savings
Hearty Heat-and-Eat Meals
Cracker Barrel's Bolstering Its Takeout Menu with New $5 Take-Home Meals
Convenient Seafood Protein Pouches
The StarKist Product Range Has Expanded with New Offerings
Dehydrated Plant-Based Meals
Farm to Summit Packages Nourishing Meals in Omnidegradable Bags
Foodservice Appetizer Collections
Revel Eats Launched Three New Pub-Inspired Appetizers
Content-Inspired QSR Meals
McDonald's As Featured In Meal Takes After Meals in Movies and More
Convenience Store Catering Services
The Wawa Catering Program is Launching with ezCater
Heat-and-Eat Plant-Based Foods
The TiNDLE Grocery Products are Being Launched in the UK Market
Restaurant Discovery Websites
Find Me a Restaurant Will Help You Pick Where to Eat
Indian Cuisine-Inspired QSR Menus
The Taco Bell Desi Menu is Arriving in India
Customizable Sandwich Shop Menus
Which Wich Just Unveiled Its New Bag to the Future Menu
Technologically-Advanced Grills
Chili's Announced its Plans to Make the 'Kitchen of the Future'
Vegetable-Packed Recipe Deliveries
The Gousto 'Veg Table' Recipe Boxes Include 12 New Dishes
Ultra-Fresh Deli Meals
Fresh Food For Now Debuts a New Assortment of Sandwiches, Salads, and Wraps
Chef-Prepared Home-Cooked Meals
Zomato Has Launched the 'Everyday' Home-Cooked Meal Service
Comprehensive Restaurant Overview Apps
Toast Debuts a Digital App to Manage Restaurant Operations
Streamlined Meal Planning Apps
Foodpot Helps with Meal Planning and Recipe Discovery
Protein-Packed Quick-Serve Meals
Perfect Servings Meals Just Need Water and Heating Before Eating