Why Menus Should Be Built Around People, Not Trends

Trends move fast. Hospitality shouldn’t.

While food culture evolves constantly, the most successful menus are grounded in something steadier: people. Their preferences, traditions, and expectations matter far more than what’s popular in the moment.

The Risk of Trend-Driven Menus

Trend-forward menus can feel exciting — briefly. But when trends fade, so does relevance. A menu built entirely around novelty often sacrifices satisfaction, balance, and longevity.

Familiar, Elevated, Intentional

Lavender Haze menus favor familiarity with refinement. Dishes are recognizable but thoughtfully composed, allowing guests to feel both comforted and surprised.

This approach:

• Serves diverse audiences well

• Ages gracefully

• Encourages genuine enjoyment

Seasonality Over Virality

Seasonal ingredients provide natural inspiration without forcing a narrative. When food reflects its moment — rather than a trend cycle — it feels honest.

Food as Connection

The best compliment a menu can receive is silence at the table, followed by conversation. That rhythm — eat, pause, connect — is intentional.

Menus built around people create space for that.