Trend cluster
Category

Insider
Eating

Exclusivity and culture-savvy now trumps highbrow eating.

Secret Dining EventsClandestine Retro SpeakeasiesPhoto-Friendly Dining TablesMillennial-Only Food TrucksCavernous Underground Bars

Trend

What is the Insider Eating trend?

Insider Eating: As social media continues to fuel the consumer desire for authenticity, the foodie world turns toward cultural capital and insider knowledge as the true marker of the elite. This is in direct opposition to the idea of fine dining as the pinnacle of eating well. Essentially, Michelin star-studded gourmet restaurants are being replaced by dive bars that only those in the know are aware of. This is a result of the cash-strapped Millennial foodie, whose values are more aligned with culinary resourcefulness than expensive ingredients.

Trend themes

Themes within the Insider Eating trend

Three behaviours holding the trend together
01

Authenticity Over Highbrow Dining

As the desire for authenticity in food continues to grow, consumers are turning towards cultural capital and insider knowledge as the true marker of the elite, leading to opportunities for cash-strapped Millennials and the dive bar scene to thrive.

02

Secret and Exclusive Dining

Dining events, invite-only eateries, and underground bars are becoming increasingly popular with consumers seeking exclusivity and unique experiences, creating opportunities for businesses to capitalize on consumers' desire for secret and exclusive spaces.

03

Social Media Marketing for Restaurants

Restaurants are investing in social media influencers and designing photo-friendly dining spaces to appeal to customers' desire to share their food experiences on social media, creating opportunities for businesses to create more shareable and Instagram-worthy dining experiences.

Industry implications

What the Insider Eating trend means for industry

Where the trend changes the playbook
For

Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry can reference these trends to develop new experiences, spaces and offerings that appeal to consumers' desire for unique and authentic experiences and exclusive spaces.

For

Food and Beverage Industry

The food and beverage industry can develop new menus, ingredients, and innovative culinary offerings that appeal to consumers' desire for authenticity, exclusivity, and unique dining experiences.

For

Marketing Industry

The marketing industry can work with restaurants and other businesses to develop social media marketing strategies that leverage influencers and appeal to customers' desire for shareable and photogenic food experiences.

Workshop question

How can you add an element of exclusivity to your products or services?

Trend signals

Trend signals for Insider Eating

Trend score 5.2 out of 10, from popularity 75%, activity 73%, freshness 8%.

Popularity75%
Activity73%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
  • Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
  • Gen Z
  • Millennial
  • Gen X
  • Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America

Evidence

Examples of the Insider Eating trend

8 featured examples from Jan 11, 2016 to Jun 13, 2018
Secret Dining Events
CategoryLifestyle

Secret Dining Events

Patrón Secret Dining Created a Special Cocktail-Paired Menu in London

The hospitality industry can capitalize on the trend of secret dining events by offering unique and exclusive dining experiences to attract customers.

Clandestine Retro Speakeasies
CategoryLifestyle

Clandestine Retro Speakeasies

This Hong Kong Speakeasy is Hidden Behind a Stamp Shop

The hospitality industry, specifically bars and restaurants, can incorporate immersive storytelling and unique entry methods to create a memorable and immersive experience for cus…

Photo-Friendly Dining Tables
CategoryLifestyle

Photo-Friendly Dining Tables

Boston Chops' 'Instagram Table' Guarantees Good Food Pictures

The restaurant industry as a whole has an opportunity to invest in creating photo-friendly dining experiences and integrating technology into their offerings, as a way to stand ou…

Millennial-Only Food Trucks
CategoryAutos

Millennial-Only Food Trucks

'Drop' Will Give Millennials the Chance to Eat Avocado Toast for Free

Existing food and beverage companies may be able to create specialized products to cater to the Millennial market.

Cavernous Underground Bars
CategoryLifestyle

Cavernous Underground Bars

'Alux Restaurant and Lounge' is in a Naturally Extant Cavern

The hospitality industry can leverage the appeal of unique and immersive underground spaces to create captivating guest experiences.

Traditional Spanish Style Restaurants
CategoryLifestyle

Traditional Spanish Style Restaurants

The Barsa Taberna in Toronto is a Hidden Spanish Restaurant

Opportunity for traditional Spanish restaurants to revamp their offerings and appeal to a wider audience by incorporating modern twists and experiential elements.

Hidden Underground Food Courts
CategoryLifestyle

Hidden Underground Food Courts

Turnstyle Columbus Circle is Accessible Through the NYC Subway

Opportunity for innovative food and beverage businesses to tap into high-traffic locations and cater to on-the-go consumers.

Invite-Only Airport Eateries
CategoryWorld

Invite-Only Airport Eateries

'Classified' is an Upscale Eatery in the Newark International Airport

Companies that operate stores and restaurants in airports have an opportunity to create exclusive and upscale dining concepts to cater to high-end clientele, while enhancing the o…