February 2022

5 Powerful Tools To Save Time When Hiring and Onboarding

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June 19, 2024

Recruiting, hiring and onboarding and retaining great people is a big challenge and time investment for restaurant owners.  And as the days of the great resignation march on, there has been no better time to invest in easy ways to keep the people you have.

Study after study has shown how proper onboarding is linked to retention, so how can you optimize your recruiting, hiring and onboarding process to keep good talent? 

Lucky for you, nowadays there are innovative software tools that can help make things easy. Here are 5 powerful tools to help you streamline the employee acquisition and retention process, without hiring a head hunting firm.


1 - Try software built for hiring and onboarding, like ATS.

Recruiting talented team members for your restaurant is arguably one of the most important steps in the process of hiring and onboarding - and it plays a key part in your store's success.

However, with so many options, platforms and opportunities to share your job posting it’s hard to know where to start.  Enter applicant tracking software!

 

An applicant tracking system (or ATS for short) is a system that provides recruiting and hiring tools for businesses, such as collecting and sorting thousands of resumes in order to select candidates for interviews.

This system can be used as a stand alone tool, or function as an add on within an existing HR software solution, thus helping business owners streamline their hiring.


2 - Use employee referral software to find great people.

There is no better way to find ‘A’ players than through the praises of other ‘A’ players. It’s true, birds of a feather flock together, so entice your top hires to expand your food service team with an employee referral program.  


Offer incentives to your team by creating an automated employee referral program where their referrals, networks and hiring recommendations are tracked, in exchange for rewards or benefits. 


To streamline this, consider using employee referral software that integrates with your existing HRIS or ATS system to add an extra layer of success to your recruiting strategy. 


3 - Use interview tracking software to stay organized.

A human capital management strategy that incorporates careful interview and hiring practices is vital to the success of any business, big or small. 

Conducting strategic, careful job interviews is an essential skill to master. And should be approached from an angle that allows you to really understand the candidate in depth -  but how do you keep track of all of these details?

Some modern ATS systems offer technology called ATS Interviews.  This software helps you keep track of candidates interviews’ by customizing interview questions, and keeping track of candidates responses right within your ATS system.  


Choose from templates and numerical systems to simplify the process, and easily track and store candidate responses. Want to learn what interview questions you could use to populate this platform? Check out our article on the top 11 interview questions you need to ask new servers. 

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4 - Opt for self - onboarding software.

Hiring new people is a time consuming process, but onboarding them doesn’t have to be.  Using technology that offers employee self-onboarding will not only help with first impressions, but it will also help create an efficient system for onboarding.

Self-onboarding tools helps make it easy to transition new hires onto the team. Web-based onboarding and software frees up valuable time for the fun stuff, like the hands-on training and diving into the heart of the team culture.


5 - Measure employee KPIs with HR software.

Congratulations, you have hired, interviewed, referenced, onboarded and integrated your newest team member - and with any luck if you followed these steps they are going to be doing a great job - but the battle isn’t over yet.  The next thing managers and business owners need to consider is how to keep great talent.

The best way to ensure employees are happy and satisfied at work is to set achievable KPIs that you measure together.  Employee KPI’s measure an employee’s performance against set and agreed upon targets. 

Using an HR system that allows you to track and share employee KPI’s with your staff will ensure that employees know what is expected of them, and can achieve those targets.  Thus experiencing job satisfaction. 

hiring and onboarding


What else should you look for in hiring and onboarding software?

Utilizing tools like HR software can help you simplify, streamline, and centralize your hiring and management processes and measure the effectiveness of specific policies and practices.

HR software that meets the following requirements will help you save time, stay labor compliant and ensure safe record keeping:

  • Applicant tracking functionality & tools 
  • Interview tracking 
  • Employee self-onboarding 
  • Employee data information storage (HRIS)
  • Allow employees to have multiple location's information.
  • Weekly alarms for employee anniversaries, end-of-day logbooks, etc.
  • Easily generate and view employee information on one report
  • Set and remind tasks with due dates, for yourself and your employees


Hiring for a business can be an arduous task, that is why we hope that this guide was helpful in alleviating some of that stress by sharing information with you about leveraging technology for hiring and onboarding!

Want to learn more about how to keep great people once you have them join your team? check out our retention checklists for restaurant owners!

hiring and onbording retention checklist

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The food and hospitality industry is entering a transformative era in 2024 — driven by consumer demand for transparency, health, environmental responsibility, and a touch of culinary innovation. Diners are more informed, adventurous, and values-driven than ever before. Whether it’s a craving for Korean-BBQ tacos, gut-friendly mocktails, or carbon-labeled menus, today’s customers are embracing trends that combine personal wellness with global consciousness.

For restaurant owners and foodservice managers, keeping pace with the latest food trends is more than a matter of creativity — it’s a necessity for profitability and long-term success. This guide explores the top food trends for 2024, from plant-based innovations to tech-forward sustainability practices, and how operators can successfully integrate them into their businesses.

Let’s dig into what’s trending, what your customers want, and how your restaurant can stay ahead.

What Are the Top Food Trends for 2024?

Here’s a snapshot of the most impactful food trends shaping menus and operations in 2024:

  • Plant-based innovations – Beyond tofu: think cultivated meats, mushroom mycelium, and chickpea-based seafood substitutes.
  • Climate-conscious menus – Locally sourced, low-waste, and forward-thinking menus aligned with environmental responsibility.
  • Functional wellness foods – Ingredients that support mood, energy, and immunity are being infused into dishes and drinks.
  • Tech-driven dining experiences – AI tools, robotics, and smart systems are elevating back-of-house efficiency and customer-facing dining.
  • Global flavor fusions – Mashups of regional cuisines (like Indian-Mexican or Korean-South American) offer novelty and richness.

Why Do Restaurant Owners Need to Pay Attention to Food Trends?

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  • Consumer demand is shifting: According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Culinary Forecast, over 70% of diners say they actively seek healthier, more sustainable options when dining out.
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  • Increased brand loyalty: Restaurants that align with customer values — health, ethics, innovation — earn trust, repeat visits, and social shares.
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  • Operational agility: Trend-oriented kitchens are quicker to pivot when supply chains shift, diets evolve, or digital preferences change.
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Which Foods Are Trending This Year Across the U.S.?

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Rise of Plant-Based Food Trends

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  • Cultivated meats: Also known as lab-grown meats, these are becoming mainstream. Brands like UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat are breaking into U.S. markets with chicken grown from animal cells in controlled environments.
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  • Mycoproteins & legumes: Derived from fungi or pulses, protein-rich alternatives like tempeh, jackfruit, and lupin are being used creatively in tacos, BBQ ribs, and seafood analogs.
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  • Mainstream adoption: Major chains like Burger King and Chipotle continue expanding plant-forward menus, while independents offer bold meatless dishes with flavor-forward sauces, global spices, and satisfying textures.
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Healthy Food Trends for 2024

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  • Gut health focus: Probiotic-rich dishes (kimchi grilled cheese or sourdough naan wraps) and fermented sides are on the rise.
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  • Lower-sugar desserts: Sweet treats are being reimagined with monk fruit, dates, and other low-glycemic ingredients.
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  • Immunity boosters: Menus highlight ingredients like turmeric, ginger, vitamin C, and zinc through smoothies, teas, and power bowls.
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  • Clean-label commitment: Consumers are studying ingredient lists, preferring dishes with wholesome, recognizable components.
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Functional Foods and Beverages

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  • Nootropic-infused drinks: Beverages powered by L-theanine or functional mushrooms cater to focus and calm.
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  • Adaptogenic add-ons: Herbs like ashwagandha, maca, and rhodiola are finding their way into smoothies, lattes, and sauces.
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  • Wellness cocktails: Mixed drinks sans alcohol — but heavy on health — promote detox and energy, flavored with botanicals and natural extracts like spirulina, matcha, and activated charcoal.
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How Are Sustainable Food Trends Shaping the Industry?

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From Menu to Sourcing: The Push Toward Sustainability

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  • Local and seasonal sourcing: Supporting nearby farms reduces emissions, ensures freshness, and appeals to community-minded consumers.
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  • Zero-waste operations: Chefs are using root-to-stem cooking, fermentation for food preservation, and creative uses for scraps in sauces or stocks.
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  • Eco-conscious packaging: Compostable containers, reusable to-go kits, and edible cutlery are disrupting traditional takeout models.
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Tech and Innovation in Sustainable Dining

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  • Carbon labeling: Climate impact scores on menus help customers make informed dining decisions, much like calorie counts.
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  • AI-driven inventory management: Tools optimize ordering patterns, reducing spoilage and overstock-related waste.
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  • Vertical farming & hydroponic setups: Onsite or bordered supply chains shorten the farm-to-table journey.
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What Is the Most Popular Food Trend Right Now?

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While many trends are gaining traction, one standout in 2024 is the rise of global comfort fusion — particularly dishes that marry traditional comfort food with spicy, umami-rich flavors.

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  • Korean-Mexican cuisine: Think birria bulgogi tacos or kimchi queso.
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  • Indian-South American mashups: Curried empanadas or tandoori arepas are headline grabbers.
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  • TikTok’s viral influence: Trends like \“chili crisp eggs\” or \“pickle sushi\” are being adapted on local menus, proving that social virality turns into real-world demand.
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How Social Media Is Driving Food Trend Adoption

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Role of Social Media in Accelerating Food Fads

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  • Influencer credibility: A single post from a viral chef or creator can spark national interest in a dish.
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  • Hashtag virality: Foods labeled #ButterBoard or #WaterTok evolve into week-long waitlists and menu must-haves.
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  • User-generated content: Diners love documenting quirky, beautiful, or “you’ve-never-seen-this-before” dishes to share online.
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Leveraging Food Trends for Restaurant Marketing

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  • Seasonal menus & pop-ups: Limited-time offerings based on trending foods motivate urgency and trial.
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  • Social callouts: Encourage diners to tag, post, or review your trend-forward menu items.
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  • Reels and behind-the-scenes content: Show viewers where your ingredients come from or how a niche global dish is made.
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Global and Fusion Food Trends to Watch

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  • Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) flavors: Featuring citrusy ceviches with umami-rich miso and soy glazes.
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  • West African influences: Dishes using jollof rice, egusi stew, or fonio grain paired with plant-based elements.
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  • Filipino-American blends: Adobo-braised brisket sandwiches or ube milkshakes have mainstream momentum.
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Tips for Implementing 2024 Food Trends in Your Restaurant

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  • Test with limited-time offers (LTOs): Introduce a trending ingredient as a weekly special or seasonal dish to measure interest.
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  • Survey your customers: Use email lists or POS systems to gather input on potential additions.
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  • Train your staff: Equip them with the knowledge and enthusiasm to explain functional or sustainable items.
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  • Work with specialized suppliers: Align with local farmers, health-focused vendors, or zero-waste packaging providers for smoother execution.
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Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve with 2024’s Food Trends

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Adapting to food trends in 2024 isn’t about chasing every new idea — it’s about identifying the trends that align with your market, values, and culinary identity. Plant-based options, sustainability, global flavors, and wellness-centric dining aren’t just appealing — they’re economically vital.

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Restaurants that act early — leveraging data, culture, and digital ecosystems — will attract today’s health-conscious, eco-aware diner and become tomorrow’s industry leaders.

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Ready to Lead the Industry with Smarter Menu Strategies?

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2024 promises bold innovations in food — and your restaurant can thrive by embracing the right trends. Whether you’re scaling functional drinks, reducing kitchen waste, or jumping on the next viral fusion dish, the right tools can help you act faster and smarter.

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Subscribe to the Push blog for expert insights on restaurant operations, emerging food trends, and next-gen hospitality technology. Stay ahead — serve success.

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Internal Links

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External Sources

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  • National Restaurant Association 2024 Culinary Forecast
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  • Technomic’s 2024 Foodservice Trends Report
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  • Mintel Functional Food Trends Analysis 2024
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