If you’re in the hospitality sector and you reckon your regulars are a little harder to please these days, you’re not imagining it. Aussies are still keen to eat, drink and be merry – but they’re watching their wallets and expecting more bang for their buck.

According to Lightspeed’s new Hospitality Industry Report 2025, solo diners are filling tables, tech is taking pressure off busy teams, and smart operators are finding new ways to stay ahead without breaking the bank.

Hospitality businesses that want to retain customers need to deliver more than just great food. To stay ahead, businesses need to provide flexibility, fresh thinking, and deliver experiences that keep punters coming back for more.

Here’s what’s on the menu for 2025.

Aussies are eating out more – but they’re tightening the purse strings

There’s good news to kick things off: Aussies are dining out more than they did last year, clocking up an average of 41 meals out in 2024 (up from 38). Drinking sessions are up too, and takeaway and delivery orders are booming.

But before you start celebrating, it’s worth noting diners are getting savvier about where and how they spend. Forty per cent of venues said customers are choosing cheaper menu items, and a third noticed more people skipping desserts, sides and even drinks to keep their bills down.

In other words, people still want to treat themselves, but value matters more than ever. Offering flexible, affordable options without scrimping on quality could be the difference between a packed house and crickets.

Solo diners are fast becoming your VIPs

Here’s a trend you’ll want to get around: solo dining is on the rise. Almost 70% of Aussies dined alone at least once in 2024, with more than a quarter doing it every week.

Gone are the days when eating out alone felt awkward. These solo adventurers are looking for relaxed, welcoming spots where they can enjoy a meal at their own pace – no awkward stares or pitying glances needed.

Smart venues are jumping on the trend with smaller portion options, bar seating, and menus designed with solo diners in mind. If you make them feel at home, you’ll not only fill more seats – you’ll win loyal regulars too.

Tech’s not just for the big guys anymore

Another big takeaway? Tech is now essential, not optional. Nearly half of all venues reported that technology helped them streamline operations in 2024, saving time and cutting costs when margins are already tight. The most common tech investments? Contactless payments, inventory management software, and loyalty programs – all aimed at making life easier for both customers and staff.

And here’s a tasty stat: using tech to manage inventory, reporting, or even kitchen orders can save businesses close to two hours a day. That’s serious time that can be spent improving service or brainstorming your next hit menu item.

If you’re not already tapping into hospo tech, 2025 is the year to dive in.

Menus need to stay fresh (literally and figuratively)

Lightspeed’s research shows venues are switching up their menus an average of 53 times a year. Cafes lead the charge, tweaking menus around 64 times a year, while restaurants refresh theirs about 45 times.

Why? Because customers want options that match their lifestyles – whether that’s more plant-based dishes, sustainable sourcing, or booze-free bevvies.

Limited-edition menus and dishes inspired by social media trends are also big drawcards, especially if you’re chasing those Insta-worthy moments that get people talking (and posting).

Rising costs are a headache

No surprises here: rising food and supply costs remain hospitality’s biggest challenge. Rent hikes, staffing shortages and changes to wage laws are also putting the squeeze on many businesses. But despite the pressure, the overall mood is surprisingly upbeat. Aussie venues are forecasting an average of 31 per cent revenue growth in 2025. Not too shabby considering the headwinds.

The venues that’ll thrive are the ones that get creative: whether that’s diversifying into catering, offering subscription meal boxes, running pop-up events, or simply making sure every guest feels like a legend when they walk through the door.

Because at the end of the day, Aussies still love a great night out – and they’ll keep showing up for venues that get it right.

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