Hospitality is now serving multiple generations at the same table.
What’s changed is not just who is dining out — it’s who is influencing the decision.
In many households, the person paying is not the person choosing the venue.
In many corporate settings, the person approving the budget is not the one researching options.
That shift matters for restaurants, cafés and caterers.
Gen Z and younger Millennials are heavily influencing venue selection, even when they are not the primary income earners.
They drive discovery through:
If a venue is not visible on those channels, it may never make the shortlist — regardless of its reputation.
At the same time, the final decision often rests with an older generation who values reliability, comfort and service standards.
That creates a dual expectation.
A restaurant might be chosen because it feels current and relevant, but it will only retain the booking if it delivers professionalism and consistency.
Family bookings, birthday dinners, corporate events and weddings now involve broader consultation.
One guest might prioritise dietary flexibility.
Another might prioritise atmosphere.
Another might focus on price.
Catering businesses are seeing this clearly. Event enquiries often include questions about menu transparency, sustainability credentials and clear cost breakdowns upfront.
Operators who simplify the decision-making process — with structured packages, clear inclusions, and easy communication- reduce friction and secure bookings faster.
While generational preferences vary, there are common threads:
Mature diners continue to value service standards and familiarity.
Younger diners value relevance and alignment with their expectations.
Venues that bridge both tend to perform strongly.
The generational story is not about chasing trends.
It’s about recognising that influence is distributed differently than it was a decade ago.
Restaurants and cafés that are clear about their identity — and consistent in execution — create confidence across age groups.
Caterers who present defined options rather than open-ended menus reduce decision fatigue for clients managing multiple stakeholders.
The common thread is confidence.
When the venue feels assured in who it is and what it offers, generational differences become less of a barrier and more of a dynamic to manage.
At Restaurant & Catering Australia, we are seeing generational influence shape everything from event bookings to menu design to marketing strategy.
The sector is not facing a generational divide.
It is navigating generational collaboration.
And the operators who understand who holds influence in the decision-making process will be better positioned to secure and retain demand.