3 Food & Drink Business Concepts That Will Work Way Beyond 2021

If 2021 was a dating figure, it would be the rebound guy. 2021 is not going to be a year we’re really going to enjoy, but it won’t be as bad as the toxic relationship we had with 2020. 2021 won’t be particularly romantic, but it will restore our faith in humanity and give us the confidence we need to get back out there. And once we do, we’re going to find a whole new world of business opportunities that offer us food, drink, and travel experiences we never realized could be so fulfilling. Unlike rebound guy, here are three concepts that are ready to go the distance.

A booze-free bottle shop provides relief for Dry January & Beyond Credit: SpiritedAway

Alcohol Absent Spirit Shops

The opening of Spirited Away, a booze-free bottle shop located in Manhattan, is the evolution of O’Douls we’ve needed for quite some time. Not drinking is the new drinking when it comes to socializing, and a shop dedicated to non alcoholic spirits like Seedlip is confirmation this lifestyle movement is only just beginning. If you don’t like drinking alcohol, are trying to stop drinking alcohol, or are just curious whether or not a drink can provide all the benefits of alcohol without the hangover, this business is for you.

Reminder: using the WHOLE animal is a sign of respect Photo: Prospect Butcher Co

Whole Animal Butcher Shops

Being less wasteful when it comes to food is a goal we must all support. That’s why whole animal butcher shops like Prospect Butcher Co. are here to remind there’s beauty in preparing spare parts. If living through a pandemic teaches us the value of life, then the aftermath should teach everyone how to respect it in all forms. Supporting businesses that practice whole animal ethos is one way we believe will do so. We’re all ready to chew the fat with one another - let our local butchers show us the way.

No interaction, in person dining

Prepaid reservations. Menus via QR code. Masked servers that drop off your dish without word because talking is too risky. Welcome to the world of restaurants that don’t require you to talk to anyone! Don’t think it will work? Take a look into Ichiran - a chain where bowls of ramen are served by a pair of hands through a sliding window in a solo booth. The restaurant features a self-seating chart where guests are informed of open booths via TV panels that light up a number when one becomes available, and verbal interaction is nonexistent. Ichiran, you’ve bowled us over when it comes to the possibilities, and we can’t wait to find out how businesses plan to build off your success.