# Experiential Serving A desire for thrills prompts whimsical serving in dining experiences. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jan 20, 2015 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/restaurant-adventurism ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.0/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Experiential Serving trend? **Experiential Serving:** Restaurant goers are indeed looking for a satisfying meal, but they're also seeking a unique experience, which is being answered with adventurous forms of food delivery at restaurants. The shift toward restaurants that incorporate memorable, entertaining aspects like robotic servers appeal on the basis of being appropriate for a wide range of ages, and providing both sustenance and an experience. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 5, 2015 to Jul 9, 2016 - Published: Jan 20, 2015 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Experiential Serving trend ### Experiential Serving The shift toward restaurants that incorporate memorable, entertaining aspects like robotic servers, is being answered with adventurous forms of food delivery that appeal on the basis of being appropriate for a wide range of ages. ### Gamification Gamification has transformed traditional dining experiences into unique and interactive events that demonstrate how engaging consumers strengthens a brand's connection with them. ### Virtual Reality As companies embrace VR technology to appeal to tech-savvy millennials, gastronomical VR experiences demonstrate how utilizing sensory stimulation can create an immersive and memorable dining experience. ## What the Experiential Serving trend means for industry ### For Hospitality and Tourism The hospitality industry has been an early adopter of interactive dining experiences, and can benefit by being innovative in creating memorable experiences for their guests. ### For Fast Food Fast food restaurants are testing artificial intelligence and robotics to create a more automated, efficient and controlled eating experience that eliminates the need to pay human servers. ### For Health and Wellness The use of 3D-printed food and virtual reality to engage consumer's senses and provide them a personalized experience can redefine the way the industry thinks about healthy and balanced diets. ## Trend signals for Experiential Serving Trend score 4.0 out of 10, from popularity 58%, activity 53%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 58% - Activity: 53% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Experiential Serving trend 6 featured examples from Jan 5, 2015 to Jul 9, 2016. - [VR-Powered Hotel Dinners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hotel-dinner): Ibiza's Hard Rock Hotel Hosted a Samsung Gear VR Gastronomy Experience (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Hotels and resorts can utilize VR and technology to enhance their guests' experiences, providing a competitive edge against competitors. - [VR Dining Experiments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-nourished): 'Project Nourished' Pairs 3D-Printed Food with Virtual Reality (Category: Unique) Implication: Restaurants and food companies can use technology to create personalized and interactive dining experiences. - [Roller Coaster Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abu-dhabi-restaurant): This Abu Dhabi Restaurant Delivers Food Like Theme Park Rides (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The adoption of high-tech and entertaining approaches in restaurants to attract customers and create novel dining experiences. - [Gamified Pop-Up Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meal-of-fortune): The 'Meal of Fortune' Pop-Up is Part Restaurant and Part Arcade (Category: Marketing) Implication: Restaurants can adopt gamification and interactive elements to create unique dining experiences that attract and engage customers. - [Flying Restaurant Servers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flying-restaurant-server): These Robotic Drones Deliver Customers Their Orders in Lieu of Servers (Category: Tech) Implication: The adoption of flying robots as restaurant servers could disrupt the traditional dining experience and enhance efficiency in the food service industry. - [Robotic Fast Food Servers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-food-server): Carl's Jr. is Testing Out Employee-Free Locations That Utilize Robots (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fast food chains can explore the integration of robotic servers and kiosks to optimize operations and reduce labor costs. ## 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)