Prose was recently featured in Restaurant News and Food Critics, where Justin Belmont, Founder & CEO, shared insights on the evolving culinary landscape. These articles explore how fine dining is adapting to casual expectations, which flashy food trends are falling flat, and how pop-up restaurants can run more smoothly with the right tools. Justin’s perspective highlights a central theme: innovation and intentionality are key to standing out in the competitive world of food.
Here’s what Justin had to say:
Luxury doesn't have to mean formality.
Topic: Fine dining evolves to meet diners where they are.
Quote: “In working with many restaurants, here's my take: Casual dining's rise is pushing fine dining to evolve, blending luxury with approachability. We're seeing high-end restaurants adopt 'fine-casual’ concepts—think Michelin-starred chefs serving up elevated dishes in relaxed settings, often at lower price points. Tasting menus are getting shorter, wine lists less intimidating, and dining experiences more interactive and fun. It's about maintaining quality and creativity while shedding the stuffiness. The takeaway? Fine dining is learning to meet people where they are—without losing its edge.”
You can read the full article here.
Skip trends that don’t add real value.
Topic: Gold-covered food looks good online but lacks real substance.
Quote: “Gold-covered food. It's the ultimate "look at me" flex, but let's be real—eating gold adds zero flavor, nutrition, or value beyond an Instagram post. It's all about the flash and nothing about the substance. I mean, why pay $1,000 for a gold-dusted burger when you could spend that on an actual incredible meal? Food should wow your taste buds, not just your followers. Gold belongs on jewelry, not pizza.”
You can read the full article here.
Use the right tools to streamline and scale.
Topic: Tech can make or break your pop-up restaurant.
Quote: “For pop-up events, we help restaurants use tech to streamline operations and create a seamless customer experience. One key tool we recommend is a POS system that integrates with inventory management, so everything from orders to stock levels is in sync in real time. We also encourage using social media scheduling tools to ensure consistent and strategic promotion before, during, and after the event. For customer engagement, email marketing platforms like Mailchimp or automated messaging via SMS are great for sending personalized offers and updates. Using these tools means pop-ups run more smoothly, customers stay engaged, and the restaurant can focus on delivering a great experience instead of getting bogged down in logistics.”
You can read the full article here.
Why food trends and tools matter and how to implement them
From redefining the tone of fine dining to rejecting superficial trends and adopting practical tools, today's food industry is being shaped by a blend of authenticity and efficiency. Restaurants that focus on substance, guest experience, and operational flow are best positioned to stand out.
- Diners crave experiences that feel premium but approachable.
- Tech is essential for running pop-ups, managing inventory, and staying connected with guests.
- Flashy, empty trends may grab attention, but long-term loyalty comes from real value.
Bonus feature: How restaurants can stay relevant and resilient
At Prose, we help food businesses craft compelling narratives and optimize systems to keep their edge. Here are three actionable tips for thriving in today’s dining scene:
1. Reimagine your format: Consider how you can offer a fine-casual experience that maintains quality while increasing accessibility.
2. Focus on flavor and purpose: Say no to trends that are all style and no substance. Create dishes that deliver meaning and memorable taste.
3. Invest in the right tech stack: POS systems, marketing automation, and scheduling tools aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re essential for running smooth operations and scaling growth.
The future of food lies at the intersection of creativity, functionality, and intentionality. The restaurants that win will be the ones that evolve with the trends, but never at the cost of quality or clarity.
Ready to explore more?
Prose specializes in helping restaurants and hospitality brands align messaging, strategy, and operations. Reach out to us today to see how we can elevate your brand and streamline your efforts. Contact us at prosemedia.com.
