ALaCarte.Direct
Your weekly roundup of the news that matters for restaurant owners
🔥 Headlines
Restaurant digitalisation reaches a new milestone in 2026
The restaurant industry continues its digital transformation, with a notable acceleration in early 2026. According to the latest market analysis, over 65% of French restaurants now use at least one digital tool in their day-to-day operations — up from 48% in 2024.
This shift is driven by a dual pressure: customer expectations (QR codes, online ordering, Google reviews) and operational efficiency (stock management, dashboards, digital menus). Restaurants that resist this wave are gradually becoming invisible to an increasingly connected clientele.
Source: Metro France – White paper on restaurant digitalisation
📰 This Week's News
🌱 Regulation & Sustainability
Circular economy: Reusable packaging becomes mandatory for fast-food restaurants
From 1 March 2026, all fast-food establishments with more than 20 seats must offer reusable containers for dine-in service. This measure, stemming from France's AGEC anti-waste law, aims to cut plastic waste by 30% by 2027.
Solutions such as Uzaje already offer industrial washing machines for glass containers, helping restaurateurs comply without disrupting their workflows.
Source: Néorestauration – Uzaje launches Destick
💡 Innovation & Trends
Digital menus are becoming the new standard
Laminated menus are on the way out: in 2026, QR codes and digital menus already account for 42% of menu formats in urban restaurants. Beyond hygiene benefits, these tools offer:
- Real-time updates (out-of-stock items, daily specials)
- Automatic translations (ideal for tourists)
- Personalised recommendations (allergies, dietary preferences)
- Browsing analytics (most-viewed dishes)
Independent restaurateurs who adopt these solutions report an average 18% increase in spend per cover, largely thanks to smart upselling of wines and desserts.
Useful link: ALaCarte.Direct – Free digital menu solution
🍷 Trade Shows & Events
Millésime BIO 2026: A must-attend event for building your wine list
From 26 to 28 January 2026, the 33rd edition of Millésime BIO took place in Montpellier — the world's largest trade fair dedicated to organic wines and spirits. Over 10,000 references were showcased, giving restaurateurs a unique opportunity to source organic wines for their lists.
With growing customer demand for sustainable products, adding organic wines to your list is becoming a major selling point — particularly among Millennials and Gen Z diners.
Source: Néorestauration – Millésime BIO 2026
🎓 Training & Excellence
The Louis Le Duff Foundation and the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France publish "Recettes & Transmission"
A new book has been added to the professional library: Recettes & Transmission, the fifth edition published by the Louis Le Duff endowment fund in partnership with the Société Nationale des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (France's prestigious "Best Craftsmen" award body). Launched at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, this book highlights the importance of passing on culinary expertise in an industry facing an acute skilled labour shortage.
Source: Néorestauration – Recettes & Transmission
🍰 Concepts & Openings
Christophe Adam continues his expansion into railway stations
Following openings at the Palais-Royal and Gare Montparnasse, pâtissier Christophe Adam (L'Éclair de Génie) has launched his third Dépôt Légal venue at Gare de Lyon. This grab-and-go gourmet concept, open from 6am to 8pm, targets commuters and travellers with a premium offering: breakfast, lunch, afternoon treats, and after-work bites.
This strategy of setting up in railway stations reflects the search for high-footfall locations — an appealing alternative to costlier traditional sites.
Source: Néorestauration – Christophe Adam at Gare de Lyon
💡 ALaCarte's Top Tip
With digital acceleration in full swing, here are 3 practical steps for your restaurant:
- Google visibility: Make sure your Google Business Profile is up to date (opening hours, photos, menu). It's free and drives up to 70% of your online discovery.
- Digital menu: Switch to a QR code menu with a free solution like ALaCarte.Direct. Real-time updates, automatic translations, zero printing costs.
- 2026 compliance: Get ahead of new regulations (reusable packaging, carbon labelling, digital accessibility) to avoid any nasty surprises.
Going digital is no longer optional — it's a matter of survival. Restaurateurs who embrace it smartly gain visibility, efficiency, and appeal.
Want to put your menu online for free?
👉 Create your digital menu in 5 minutes on ALaCarte.Direct
Press roundup by Sophie, SEO & Communications Manager at ALaCarte.Direct
Published: 16 February 2026
