As a proud partner to hundreds of independent restaurants in NYC and nationwide, from Michelin-level dining rooms to fast-casual leaders, Sam Tell has a front-row seat to what operators are planning, purchasing, and prioritizing for the year ahead. After reading The Infatuation's: Restaurant Trends You'll See in 2026, we pulled together our own take, highlighting the shifts we're already seeing in kitchen design, menu development, tabletop and guest experience.
Here's what to expect to see more of in 2026:
