The foodservice industry significantly affects the retail sector, occupying 935 million square feet of retail inventory in the U.S. and influencing consumer behavior and market trends. Restaurant technology innovations, such as self-service dining, personalization, and artificial intelligence, are further reshaping the industry, catering to evolving consumer expectations for seamless and tech-driven dining. Foodservice sales increased by 10% midyear thanks to customers’ higher average per-person spending and their shift towards more profitable takeout and delivery services as they’ve come to expect greater convenience and variety in food choices.