2026 has been an interesting year for the online food scene. The internet, like many other industries, has had a massive impact on restaurants, making it even easier for businesses to drive interest in their food beyond their usual local customers. Delivery apps like UberEats and DoorDash have had a similar effect, as have food influencers, particularly those on sites like TikTok.
In recent months, there have been viral food trends sparked by food influencers like Keith Lee, a well-known content creator who focuses on food reviews. A number of his posts on dishes from National chains like the Cheesecake Factory and McDonald’s have attracted potential customers to these establishments to try foods that are underrated or that most customers have overlooked, like McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish sandwich.
These trends speak to the near-absolute trust audiences place in these creators, who have slowly built a reputation as honest food critics, in a down-to-earth way that many notable chefs and food bloggers in the restaurant industry miss. Unsurprisingly, out of all the generations, Gen Z and Millennials are among the most foodie, helping restaurants like Chili’s and Red Lobster find their footing back in the mainstream.
So, it’s unsurprising that many young people would flock towards these creators, especially as more and more cross into adulthood. Additionally, many Americans are now expecting more from their experiences at even fast food establishments and better food quality. This is likely a result of how interconnected the world is now thanks to social media. Many Americans have seen how American fast food chains operate outside of the country and the perceived higher quality of food service these companies give international customers, particularly within Asian countries.
