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.
The study employs a systematic literature review to consolidate existing research on consumer behaviour in the restaurant industry post-COVID-19.
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.
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.
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.
