# Refined QSR Fast food eateries adopt a refined aesthetic to attract the modern consumer. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Dec 16, 2015 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/refined-qsr ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.3/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Refined QSR trend? **Refined QSR:** As consumer tastes evolve toward more sophisticated aesthetics, QSR brands are taking notice and adapting their in-store designs as a result. Moving away from flashy colors and imagery, fast food retailers are integrating approachable designs and rustic furnishings to create a more simplistic appearance. This shift in aesthetic is a reaction to a growing consumer demand for smaller, more independent brands. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 9, 2014 to Jun 23, 2016 - Published: Dec 16, 2015 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Refined QSR trend ### Refined Aesthetics QSR brands are adapting rustic and approachable designs for in-store appearances due to growing consumer demand for smaller, more independent brands. ### Lucid Interiors Organically styled paleo chains like Palæo use natural materials and soft lighting to create a soothing and welcoming atmosphere that allows seamless transitions between the restaurant's food and environment. ### Organic Wares Yoshinoya New Life and Miami's Grown are two eateries that offer healthier organic alternatives for individuals conscious of their diets, making real food cooked slow and healthy available to a wider audience. ## What the Refined QSR trend means for industry ### For Fast Food Industry Fast food retailers are considering more sophisticated and organic aesthetics to cater to modern tastes and preference for healthy eating habits. ### For Interior Design Industry Design teams are tasked with creating simple, natural and cozy interiors that reflect their respective brands' philosophies and emphasize nostalgia and minimalism. ### For Health and Wellness Industry Organic fast food restaurants like Yoshinoya New Life and Miami's Grown are a response to changes in consumers' eating habits, particularly the shift toward health-conscious food choices. ## Workshop question If you think of your most basic product or service, what twist could you add to make it more upscale? ## Trend signals for Refined QSR Trend score 5.3 out of 10, from popularity 67%, activity 83%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 67% - Activity: 83% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Refined QSR trend 6 featured examples from Jul 9, 2014 to Jun 23, 2016. - [Simplistic Fast Food Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/simple-restaurant): The 'Simple' Restaurant Keeps Things Straight-Forward (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The fast food industry can adapt by offering fresh and healthy options that appeal to health-conscious consumers. - [Organic Fast Food Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-food-and-health): Miami's 'Grown' Changes the Relationship Between Fast Food and Health (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The fast food industry is ripe for disruption as consumers increasingly prioritize health and seek out organic, healthier options, opening up opportunities for organic fast food e… - [Industrial Restaurant Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chic-vintage-interior): This Fast Food Eatery Boasts a Chic Vintage Interior (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Restaurants and other hospitality establishments can adopt the industrial interior trend to enhance the dining experience and attract customers. - [Slow-Paced Lifestyle Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-taipei-restaurant): Yoshinoya is a New Taipei Restaurant with a Relaxing Atmosphere (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Incorporating vegetarian options into restaurant menus can tap into the growing demand for plant-based dining experiences. - [Artisan Streetfood Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pizzacafe-latorre): Pizzacafe Latorre Changes the Way Fast Food is Marketed (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The concept of artisan street food eateries can create a new segment within the restaurant industry and attract a different customer base. - [Lucid Eatery Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paleo-restaurant): This Organic Paleo Restaurant Uses Minimalist Nature-Inspired Decor (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for restaurants to differentiate themselves by offering healthy and paleo-inspired dishes and creating organic minimalist interiors. ## 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 Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)