What Every Generation Craves: Insights for Smarter Menus and Service
Serving Solutions, Industry Trends, Technology
2025.11.10
There is no one-size-fits-all diner today. Consumers have so many options on their plates, literally and figuratively. Today’s patrons enjoy a plethora of food choices and a variety of dining options, ranging from traditional American fare to global influences, functional food to adventurous flavor combinations, whether they dine in person, order online, take out, or choose delivery.
While catering to this broad customer base has been a strong strategy for restaurant operators, demographic and cultural trends are shaping the restaurant scene, and generational preferences are defining what’s on the menu. What motivates one generation might turn another way. Every choice matters.
From Gen Z to Boomers, distinct differences and behaviors emerge that drive each group as they choose where to dine, what to order, and how they perceive value in their dining preferences. For restaurant operators, understanding these nuances and implementing them into operational strategies can guide menu innovation and lead to increased loyalty and traffic across age brackets.
At Server, we see these same dynamics play out through our customers — operators balancing tradition and innovation to meet guests where they are. The ability to adapt service styles, simplify operations, and deliver consistent quality has never been more critical to keeping pace with shifting generational expectations.
Gen Z (Born 1997 – 2012)
- Key Stats: Almost half (49%) dine alone at least once a week, and 67% use social media to choose where to eat.1
- Operator Takeaways: Gen Z diners are most comfortable dining solo, and as the digitally-first generation, most familiar with technology – whether researching restaurants online, placing orders, or utilizing electronic payments. While their spending power continues to grow, their disposable income is the lowest of any age group. They look for value and adventure. Offering budget-friendly meal deals while accommodating both solo dining and social media-worthy moments will help influence where this group chooses to eat.
For operators, this means creating engaging, streamlined experiences that move effortlessly between digital and in-person touchpoints — from online ordering to front-of-house service. Smart, intuitive equipment and layouts that make speed and accuracy effortless can help deliver the convenience Gen Z expects.
Millennials (Born 1981 - 1996)
- Key Stats: Lead in takeout spending, are high-frequency diners with 42% planning to dine out more often, and have the highest loyalty program participation at 56%.2
- Operator Takeaway: Just like Gen Z, Millennials are technology-forward yet have 1.7x more disposable income.3 They seek digital experiences from restaurants, especially when engaging with loyalty apps for rewards-based offers and ordering purposes. As transparency, reviews, and MICHELIN Stars ratings are also important, promoting patron testimonials, quality ingredients and food prep, and chef quotes or accolades in-app and on social channels and websites could sway this influential group of patrons.
Operators who embrace seamless digital integration, transparent storytelling, and operational consistency build trust with this age bracket. From prep areas to service counters, smart dispensing and portion control can ensure the product performance matches the promise every time.
Gen X (Born 1965 - 1980)
- Key Stats: More likely to be deterred by negative reviews, long wait times, service charges, and poor health ratings.4
- Operator Takeaway: While Gen X and Millennials share the spotlight in terms of overall spending power, Gen X is more discerning when it comes to order accuracy, convenience, and quality across all restaurant segments. Gen X is a group of planners that celebrate moments and holidays and thus is more likely to make reservations to eliminate wait times. For casual and fine dining eateries, ensuring a reservation process is in place will help streamline operations and boost guest satisfaction for this high-value group of diners.
Consistency, quality, and efficiency matter most here. Operators that combine dependable service with thoughtful presentation — supported by reliable, easy-to-use equipment — can deliver positive dining moments Gen X values.
Boomers (Born 1946 - 1964)
- Key Stats: 53% of Boomer respondents are deterred by service charges, but tip more than any other generation.5
- Operator Takeaway: Similar to Gen X, expectations are high for this group. They crave comfort, great service from staff, and quality, healthier options. Boomers are known for tipping more than other age group for exceptional experiences. Operators that focus less on technology, front of house, and more on service, connection, and traditional, health-forward foods are better set to receive repeat visits from these seasoned guests.
For many operators, meeting Boomer demands means returning to fundamentals — warmth, precision, and personal connection. Behind the counter, that same mindset shows up in equipment designed for reliability and intuitive use, supporting staff in delivering consistently impeccable service.
Looking forward, finding a balance between catering to a broad customer base and differing generational preferences is key for operator longevity. Flexibility is a must. A mix of mobile and online ordering with in-person service will minimize alienating one particular group over another. Offering loyalty apps, simplifying reservation processes, and innovating menus with a blend of classics, mainstream favorites, and adventurous flavors shows an operator is listening to each generation's demands and adopting strategies for long-term success.
No matter the menu concept, whether chain or independent, QSR or casual, we offer a complete line of Essentials™ serving, dispensing, and holding equipment and IxD™ Series automated options, powered by SmartWares® Technology, that maximize efficiencies so you can serve better and smarter for your diverse patron set.
1,2,4, 5 2025 American Diner Trends Report, TouchBistro, 2025
3 Mean disposable income by generation, Statista, published June 25, 2025