As we bid farewell to 2023, I'd like to reflect on the culinary landscape in my home state of Colorado and the expansive Western U.S., where I specialize in protein sales. Here are some notable food trends that have captured my attention:

1. Sustainable and Local Sourcing:

A growing emphasis on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients has become a hallmark of the dining scene.

Restaurants proudly showcase their commitment to environmentally friendly practices and partnerships with local farmers, beef producers and meat processors and their brands.

While chefs express a willingness to invest an additional 5% to 10% for locally sourced items, profitability often diminishes beyond this point, leading some to revert to non-local alternatives.

2. Tech-Driven Dining:

Technology significantly shapes the dining experience, evident through the widespread adoption of digital menus, mobile ordering, and contactless payments.

The convenience of paying bills through smartphones or at the table is gaining popularity, ensuring the security of personal payment information.

Forward-thinking establishments are experimenting with technologies like augmented reality, hinting at a potential future where personal waitstaff may become obsolete.

3. Ghost Kitchens and Delivery-Only Concepts:

The surge in delivery services has given rise to ghost kitchens and virtual brands exclusively catering to online orders.

Notably, some established restaurants are diversifying by creating separate brands focused solely on delivery services. I sell to one ghost kitchen that cooks up great foods for several branded restaurant delivery services.

4. Experiential Dining:

Consumers seek unique and memorable dining experiences, prompting restaurants to integrate entertainment, interactive elements, and themed dining concepts.

Beyond traditional sports bars, innovative venues like indoor golfing (e.g., Holey Moley) and outdoor golfing (e.g., Top Golf) are blending quality food with recreational experiences.

5. Global Flavors and Fusion Cuisine:

The fusion of Asian flavors into American cuisine, particularly in dishes featuring unique Asian influences and small plates, is on the rise.

Japanese and Korean flavors are notably prevalent, contributing to the diversification of culinary offerings.

6. Plant-Based Options:

Despite national media attention, pre-processed plant-based options are experiencing stagnant or declining interest with the restaurants that I sell to.

There's a notable shift towards in-house or locally made whole food plant-based dishes, often crafted from ingredients like black or pinto beans and mushrooms.

Flexitarian options, such as real beef patties mixed with mushrooms or black beans, are expanding.

7. Beef Burgers and Chicken Wings:

Despite rising costs, the demand for beef burgers and chicken wings remains robust, with sales of these items, coupled with alcohol sales, serving as financial mainstays.

The popularity of boneless chicken wings (essentially breast meat renamed) and alternative offerings like bone-in and boneless thigh meat is growing, helping offset the high costs of traditional bone-in wings.

8. Korean BBQ, Sushi, and Pho:

The number of Vietnamese pho restaurants in Colorado is declining, suggesting a potential saturation or waning interest in this once-popular dish.

Quick-serve establishments offering Korean BBQ and Korean fried chicken are emerging as trendy favorites.

While sushi bars continue to be popular, some struggle with maintaining quality, with only a fraction meeting the standards of a discerning palate. Personally, I seek out sushi bars owned and operated by trained chefs with a profound understanding of fish.

These observations underscore the dynamic and evolving nature of the culinary landscape in 2023, providing a glimpse into the diverse world of food in Colorado and the Western U.S.

What trends have you observed in your city and travels in 2023?

Trends in 2023

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