Gear Check: Top Restaurant Equipment & Gear Trends for 2025

Because We Love Stuff

US Foods® Equipment Specialist Kimberly McHardy shares her picks for the top trending back-of-house and front-of-house trends. Because we love the latest stuff.

Smart Speed Ovens

Also referred to as rapid-cook ovens, these all-in-one units can be programmed to quickly bake and cook a variety of foods, from crispy pizzas and flatbreads to toasted sandwiches, baked goods and even proteins such as chicken and fish. They work well for smaller kitchen spaces commonly found at smaller restaurants, bars and grills and coffee shops. They also work well for catering operations and pop-up foodservice outlets without a built-in hood.

“With skilled labor so hard to find, operators want something as simple as possible,” McHardy says. “With this unit, you can develop recipes and photos of how it’s plated, load them onto a USB and plug it into the oven, so someone literally just needs to press a button with a photo. It’s also ventless and doesn’t require an expensive hood system.”

Melamine Plates + Platters

“Melamine has come a long way – these pieces look like nice china, but have the durability of plastic,” McHardy says. “They also come in nice, bright colors and mixed textures.” McHardy finds that restaurants with outdoor dining, as well as country clubs with pools and high-traffic bars and grills, often source these plates for a durable but still attractive option.

Plastic Beverageware

“These rocks glasses look like crystal, but they’re plastic,” McHardy says. “They’re great for serving $15 cocktails in something shatterproof. Plus, they’re freezer- and dishwasher-safe.”

Like melamine plates, these items also work well for outdoor dining and high-traffic operations, McHardy says.

LED Table Lamps

“I’m seeing an uptick in these touch lamps – they’re wireless, battery-free and rechargeable,” says McHardy, who’s been seeing steakhouses and full-service restaurants snatch up the lamps as of late.

Arched Cases

“I’m seeing a lot of arches and fluted designs in tabletop mirroring home design trends,” says McHardy. “These are great for driving grab-and-go sales by pick-up stations, for showcasing desserts and as catering displays.”

Logoed China

“A lot of restaurants want to elevate their dishes at a low cost. Custom printing your logo on china and glassware helps elevate pieces at affordable prices,” McHardy says. “Basically, everyone with a recognizable brand, or a brand that wants to be more recognizable, can benefit from investing in these pieces.”