Here’s your latest round of Reads & Feeds, spotlighting the trends and transformations making waves in hospitality. From the rise of plant-based dining and Gen Z’s brunch habits to Adelaide’s cultural boom and shifting global trade dynamics, these stories offer fresh insight into how Aussies are eating, spending, and travelling in 2025.

Level up your venue game, let’s get into it:

1. Plant-Based Menus Take Root in Aussie Restaurants

In the first quarter of 2025, restaurants across Australia, from fast food chains to fine dining venues, have embraced the growing demand for plant-based menus. This shift is part of a broader global trend toward health-conscious, ethical, and sustainable dining, with more consumers opting to reduce their meat intake.

Cafés, ethnic eateries, and high-end venues alike are responding with creative, diverse plant-based offerings that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Alongside menu innovation, many restaurants are also adopting sustainable practices, such as sourcing ingredients locally and reducing food waste.

2. Dining Out in a Cost-of-Living Crunch

Even as the cost-of-living crisis continues to pinch Aussie wallets, a new trend is emerging: small indulgences are replacing big-ticket spending. Think affordable brunches, casual eats, and the occasional takeaway—comforts that don’t break the bank but still feel like a treat.

Survey shows that nearly one-third of Australians (32%) admit to overspending on dining out or takeaway, despite economic pressures. The trend is especially strong among Gen Z (40%) and Millennials (37%), who are prioritising experiences and small luxuries over larger financial commitments.

For hospitality operators, this offers a unique opportunity to craft menus that balance affordability with value, and highlight items that feel like a treat without the guilt. Consider bite-sized upgrades, limited-time offers, or bundles that appeal to cost-conscious yet experience-driven diners.

3. Adelaide’s Cultural Boom Brings Big Wins for Hospo

Move over Melbourne, Adelaide is fast becoming Australia’s "coolest" city, thanks to its thriving cultural and culinary scenes. The city’s annual festival season has cemented its reputation, drawing crowds with major events, international artists, and a vibrant atmosphere that’s putting Adelaide on the global map.

This cultural surge has led to record hotel occupancy and revenue, with increased foot traffic throughout the CBD and surrounding precincts. For hospitality venues, the opportunity is clear: more visitors mean more diners, more bookings, and greater potential to boost exposure and sales.

Operators can ride the wave by aligning with festival dates, offering themed menus, or extending hours to cater to post-show crowds. With momentum building, Adelaide’s hospitality sector is perfectly positioned to grow alongside the city’s cultural rise.

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