Looking Ahead: Top 3 Food Service Equipment Trends for 2026
2025 came & went in the blink of an eye. So, we turn the page to 2026. It should come as no surprise that it will be a telling year for technology & equipment in the foodservice industry.
Restaurant sales are expected to be $783.9 billion in 2026 with “ghost” kitchen sales reaching $2 billion alone. The restaurant landscape is certainly here to stay, despite the economic uncertainties & potential inflation. With that said, foodservice equipment needs to keep up with the demand. Will 2026 hold any innovation?
In this article, we'll give 3 of the biggest food service equipment trends to watch out for in 2026. Let's make some predictions.
1. AI, AI, AI
Everywhere we turn, it seems like AI has a hold onto our daily lives. From internet searches to content creation, AI is just a part of our lives now. This will spill over into the foodservice industry heavily.
For one, you can expect to see more AI-powered devices to automate tasks, improve efficiency, & avoid waste. AI can also be useful for guests through customer inquiries, orders & providing instant responses & personal assistance.
As for equipment – there will be more equipment with powerful analytics & logging capabilities. AI powered equipment will also feature better cameras & sensors for safety monitoring. Voice recognition will also be prevalent in equipment. If your local eatery hasn’t integrated AI yet, the chances are high that 2026 will see some sort of integration.
2. Robots on the Loose
Robot technology has improved dramatically over the last few years in the foodservice industry. In 2026, it will only get better. More robots will be integrated into eateries. These robots will be practical, for one, and perform sophisticated tasks. If you visit a restaurant, you might just find a robot serving cocktails, cleaning, or bussing. In fact, robots have already taken over certain locations in the country!
Why the need for robots? One reason is to combat staffing shortages. The other reason is better efficiency. With these two reasons in mind, robots are coming sooner than you expect.
3. The Rise of AI Powered Self-Service Vending Machines
Customization is vital in any eatery. What if there was a self-service machine that allowed this? You might get your wish in 2026. The leap in AI advancement will enable this. In fact, made-to-order vending will be the ultimate craze of 2026.
These sophisticated machines will allow you to input your complete order & have it delivered to you – all with minimal interference. The applications will be endless: coffee shops, pizzerias, bakeries, bars, ice cream shops & so on. The use of mobile apps paired with these machines will only take it a step further.
The playing field is certainly ripe for advancement & we’re curious to see what lies ahead. For more information on the future of stainless steel in the food service industry, click here.
