Post-COVID-19 restaurant consumer behavior – insights and future research directions

Purpose This paper aims to synthesise the current understanding of consumer behaviour in restaurants post-COVID-19, highlighting emerging trends, challenges and providing a future research agenda. The study aims to fill a research gap that is vital since it will be a synthesis of literature examining how consumer preferences and dining patterns, and expectations have radically changed in the post-pandemic period. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a systematic literature review to consolidate existing research on consumer behaviour in the restaurant industry post-COVID-19. Findings The results of the study indicate that there are five prevailing trends and seven key issues that challenge the core reorganisation of the operational and consumer-facing dimensions of the restaurant industry. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the need for further research on regional and cultural variations in consumer behaviour post-COVID-19. Theoretically, the research makes a contribution to the literature since it creates an exhaustive framework on how to understand post-pandemic adaptation. In practice, the results may provide practical implications to the restaurant managers, industry players and policymakers interested in aligning their operational strategies with the emerging consumer demands. Originality/value This study is one of the first to systematically explore the post-COVID-19 consumer behaviour in the restaurant sector. It identifies critical trends and challenges, offering a valuable research agenda for future studies and practical insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers.