# Insider Eating Exclusivity and culture-savvy now trumps highbrow eating. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Feb 6, 2018 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/insider-eating ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.2/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 11, 2016 to Jun 13, 2018 - Published: Feb 6, 2018 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Insider Eating trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Insider Eating trend means for industry ### 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 for Insider Eating Trend score 5.2 out of 10, from popularity 75%, activity 73%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 75% - Activity: 73% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Insider Eating trend 8 featured examples from Jan 11, 2016 to Jun 13, 2018. - [Secret Dining Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/secret-dining): Patrón Secret Dining Created a Special Cocktail-Paired Menu in London (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hong-kong-speakeasy): This Hong Kong Speakeasy is Hidden Behind a Stamp Shop (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instagram-table): Boston Chops' 'Instagram Table' Guarantees Good Food Pictures (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eat-avocado-toast): 'Drop' Will Give Millennials the Chance to Eat Avocado Toast for Free (Category: Autos) Implication: Existing food and beverage companies may be able to create specialized products to cater to the Millennial market. - [Cavernous Underground Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alux-restaurant-and-lounge): 'Alux Restaurant and Lounge' is in a Naturally Extant Cavern (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The hospitality industry can leverage the appeal of unique and immersive underground spaces to create captivating guest experiences. - [Traditional Spanish Style Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-barsa-taberna): The Barsa Taberna in Toronto is a Hidden Spanish Restaurant (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/turnstyle-columbus-circle): Turnstyle Columbus Circle is Accessible Through the NYC Subway (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for innovative food and beverage businesses to tap into high-traffic locations and cater to on-the-go consumers. - [Invite-Only Airport Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/newark-international-airport): 'Classified' is an Upscale Eatery in the Newark International Airport (Category: World) Implication: 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… ## 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)