September 29th, 2025
The Canadian restaurant industry in 2025 is not a single unified market but four distinct ones. Data from Restaurants Canada and Angus Reid shows that success requires tailoring strategies to the unique habits, expectations, and values of each generation. Restaurant operators who apply a one-size-fits-all approach risk missing opportunities, while those who adapt stand to capture loyalty and maximize spend across age groups.
Below is a blueprint for understanding generational diners and the operational shifts needed to win their business.
Gen Z: Frequent diners, but frugal. Focus on TikTok-driven marketing, affordable menus, and seamless digital ordering.
Millennials: Highest frequency diners. Value variety, aesthetics, and tech-friendly dining with online reservations and polished branding.
Gen X: Biggest spenders. Prioritize quality, reliability, and loyalty-building programs.
Boomers: Traditionalists. Value personal service, consistency, and accessible, comfortable environments.
Digital-first strategies: Gen Z and Millennials require heavy investment in social media, delivery integrations, and mobile-friendly ordering.
Experience vs. familiarity: Younger cohorts seek novelty and experiences, while older ones prioritize comfort and tradition.
Alcohol consumption: Gen Z’s reduced interest in alcohol means creative mocktails and non-alcoholic programs are essential.
Service quality: A universal differentiator, whether efficient (Gen Z), authentic (Millennials), consistent (Gen X), or personal (Boomers).
Menu strategy: Younger groups embrace experimentation, while older ones want reliability and quality.
No single strategy wins: Restaurants must adapt across generations to remain competitive in 2025’s fragmented dining market.
Gen Z dines out often (47% do so weekly) but spends the least ($40 for dine-in, $27 for takeout). This generation views the restaurant experience through a digital-first lens, from discovery to payment. They are also driving cultural changes, such as reduced alcohol consumption and heightened demand for affordability.
Marketing & Acquisition: Run campaigns on TikTok and Instagram that prioritize visual appeal, novelty, and affordability. Use giveaways and user-generated content to drive engagement.
Technology & Ordering Systems: Prioritize seamless integration with third-party delivery apps (54% use them) and offer fast, mobile-friendly ordering with tap or pay-at-table features.
Menu & Product Development: Offer affordable, customizable dishes with strong visual appeal. A bold non-alcoholic beverage program with mocktails and specialty drinks is a must.
Service & On-Premise Experience: Speed, control, and tech-enabled environments matter. Provide outlets, Wi-Fi, and lighting designed for social media photos.
Canada’s restaurant market in 2025 is defined by generational differences. Gen Z and Millennials are shaping the future with digital-first expectations and a desire for experiences, while Gen X and Baby Boomers ground the industry in tradition, quality, and personal service. The challenge for operators is balancing these sometimes competing demands. The solution lies in segmentation: identify your core audience, tailor the dining journey to their values, and adapt operationally.
The Canadian dining scene will reward those who can be flexible while offering value to Gen Z, variety to Millennials, consistency to Gen X, and tradition to Boomers.
Gen X (ages 45–60) has the highest average spend per visit at $68 for dine-in, making them a key high-value segment.
Despite lower average checks, Gen Z are frequent diners and trendsetters whose choices influence broader food culture, making them essential for long-term growth.
