The Rise of Hybrid Models

After several years of upheaval pandemic disruptions, inflation, and accelerated digitalization, consumer habits have shifted deeply. Today, the ambience of a restaurant or the friendliness of the staff alone no longer suffice to satisfy clients. Diners seek flexibility and expect establishments to adapt to their lifestyles : quick lunches during weekdays, evening delivery, weekend brunches, or social and event-driven dining experiences.

This article is taken from a downloadable white paper on the 8 restaurant trends not to be missed in 2026.

Nowadays, many venues go beyond traditional table service by embracing multiple formats, blending physical (restaurants, bars, kiosks) with digital (online ordering, social media, click & collect). In the UK, delivery and takeaway sales now represent approximately 15 pence of every pound spent at restaurants highlighting the growing weight of at-home channels in total revenue.

These hybrid models offer strategic responses to both evolving customer expectations and economic challenges in 2026.

Opportunities for Restaurants Looking to Diversify Revenue Streams

• Develop complementary services: introduce take-away, delivery, click & collect. Maintain brand cohesion and ensure seamless customer experience across dine-in, delivery, social media, and online store channels.
• Introduce subscriptions: such as monthly meal plans or loyalty menus to secure stable, recurring revenue.
• Utilize off-peak hours creatively: open for coworking during the day, cocktail bar in the evening, brunches on weekends. Identify slow periods and craft complementary offerings like morning coworking, afternoon workshops, or weekday themed evenings.
• Offer space leasing or privatization: for use in seminars, cooking workshops, or private events.

In 2026, hybrid restaurants embody a major evolution in the industry offering enhanced flexibility for customers, improved profitability for restaurateurs, and bolstered resilience against economic volatility. Those that successfully diversify while preserving strong brand coherence will emerge more attractive and robust.