# Customized QSR Battling the Foodie backlash of fast food means implementing more customization. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Jul 18, 2016 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/customized-qsr ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Customized QSR trend? **Customized QSR:** The growth of the "foodie" consumer has created a threat against fast food. Recognizing that personal branding is a key concern of foodies, organizations in this industry are fighting the poor perception of QSR through customization. This move focuses less on product and more on delivery, proving that companies do not need to change everything in the face of these shifts, but transform strategically. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 21, 2015 to Dec 22, 2017 - Published: Jul 18, 2016 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Customized QSR trend ### Fast Food Customization Fast food companies are implementing customization into their products as a response to the demands of the foodie consumer. ### Cashless Payment Technology for Restaurants Restaurants are incorporating cashless payment technology to improve payment efficiency and customer experience. ### Restaurant Technology Innovations Restaurants are incorporating new technologies such as digital menu boards, touchscreen kiosks, and mobile apps to target tech-savvy consumers. ## What the Customized QSR trend means for industry ### For Fast Food Industry The fast food industry can implement customization to appeal to the foodie consumer and retain customer loyalty. ### For Restaurant Technology Industry Restaurant technology industries can provide cashless payment solutions and high-tech innovations for restaurants. ### For Cereal Cafe Industry The cereal cafe industry can adopt a unique and customizable approach to breakfast dining, catering to the nostalgia of millennials with a playful atmosphere. ## Workshop question How can your brand tweak aspects of its business or marketing to better appeal to those outside of its consumer base? ## Trend signals for Customized QSR Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 56%, activity 51%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 56% - Activity: 51% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Customized QSR trend 7 featured examples from Oct 21, 2015 to Dec 22, 2017. - [Digital Menu Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-menu): This Fast Casual Restaurant Targets Millennials with High-Tech Innovations (Category: Business) Implication: Advancements in digital technology are disrupting the fast casual industry, allowing for quicker and more personalized service. - [French Fry Flavor Packets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/french-fry-shakers): The 'French Fry Shakers' from Church's Chicken Allow for Customization (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The fast food industry could benefit from innovative and customized seasoning options as a way to stand out from competitors and provide a unique experience for customers. - [Customizable Late Night Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jack-hacks): The Late Night Jack Hacks Allow Customers to Customize Their Meal (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Incorporating customizable, DIY menus can be a major disruption in the fast food industry, leading to more customers in search of personalized late night options. - [Quick Cashless Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/restaurant-chain): Restaurant Chain Wagamama Incorporates a Quicker Way to Eat and Pay (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionize the restaurant industry by adopting cashless payment systems, server-less operations, and split bill technology. - [Rewarding Mexican Restaurant Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tj-rewards): The TJ Rewards App Helps Taco John's Customers Earn Free Food (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore digital loyalty programs and mobile couponing as a means to attract and retain customers. - [Whimsical Cereal Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cereal-box): The Cereal Box, Inc. Serves More Than 50 Types of Cereal (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore opportunities to create customizable food experiences and innovative cereal-based products that attract nostalgic and adventurous custom… - [Personalized Taco Rewards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-reward): Taco Bell's ta.co Site Lets Users Customize Meals and Access Discounts (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for fast food chains to implement customizable menus and digital ordering systems to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. ## 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)