# À La Smart Restaurants harness technology to create personalized menus. By [Joey Haar](https://www.trendhunter.com/joeyisa), Research Writer | Published Nov 15, 2017 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/a-la-smart ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.4/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the À La Smart trend? **À La Smart:** Any consumer would prefer a personally cooked meal over stock menu items. While restaurants are well aware of that axiom, diner-specific dishes haven't previously been scalable beyond the confines of ultra-luxury eating. However, savvy restaurateurs have now found a solution, using AI and big data analysis to efficiently curate meals for each new patron. Likewise, businesses that use the power of AI can increase loyalty and enjoyment through directly personal experiences and products. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 11 to Nov 14, 2017 - Published: Nov 15, 2017 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the À La Smart trend ### Personalized AI menus Restaurants are harnessing AI technology to create personalized menus using big data analysis, and businesses can also use the power of AI to increase loyalty through personal experiences and products. ### Scientific menu creation Restaurants like Shiba Ramen are using empirical, chemistry-based recipe development to create "scientifically flavorful" dishes. ### Data-driven menus and personalization Advancements in technology are allowing restaurants and QSRs to implement digital menu systems that are updated based on sales patterns, local events and weather. DNA-based meals are also emerging as an option catered to diners' specific dietary needs as identified through genetic testing. ## What the À La Smart trend means for industry ### For Restaurant Technology Restaurants can leverage AI technology in the form of personalized menus, while also implementing digital menu systems to optimize operations and offer a seamless experience for diners. ### For Fast Food Tech Fast food chains like Long John Silver's are seeking to upgrade drive-thrus through implementing advanced digital systems and ultimately aiming for full automation. ### For Third-Party Delivery Services Delivery services like UberEats are helping to bridge the gap between diners and local restaurants that may not traditionally offer takeout through creating virtual restaurants based on neighborhood data. ## Workshop question How could your business use AI to make a personalized experience for consumers? ## Trend signals for À La Smart Trend score 4.4 out of 10, from popularity 65%, activity 58%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 65% - Activity: 58% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the À La Smart trend 5 featured examples from Jul 11 to Nov 14, 2017. - [Artful Multi-Sensory Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tree-by-naked): 'Tree by Naked' Offers an Immersive Dining Experience (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for hotels and restaurants to differentiate themselves by offering immersive multi-sensory dining experiences that appeal to discerning customers. - [Virtual Takeout Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-restaurants): UberEats is Pairing with Local Eateries to Open Virtual Restaurants (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food delivery industry can leverage virtual restaurants to increase the variety of cuisines available to consumers in different locations. - [Data-Powered Drive-Thrus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qsr-drivethru): Long John Silver's is Implementing an Advanced Drive-Thru System (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The implementation of advanced drive-thru systems and interactive menus presents disruptive innovation opportunities for improving customer experience and efficiency in the fast f… - [DNA-Based Restaurant Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vita-mojo): Vita Mojo and DNAfit Offer Meals Based on Diners' Genetic Code (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The partnership between Vita Mojo and DNAfit introduces a disruptive innovation in the restaurant industry by incorporating DNA testing for personalized nutrition. - [Scientific Ramen Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ramen-eateries): 'Shiba Ramen' Creates "Scientifically Flavorful" Dishes (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for restaurants to incorporate scientific techniques and principles into their menu development, attracting customers seeking unique and innovative dining experiences. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)