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Is 2026 The New 2016
Jay Bandy • January 23, 2026
Is 2026 The New 2016?
From rolled ice cream and unicorn drinks to galaxy-inspired baked goods, restaurants can invite guests to take a bite out of the past.
At the beginning of the year, TikTok saw the rise of a phrase that quickly took over feeds: “2026 is the new 2016.” Across the platform-- and now beyond-- users are beginning to revive and reminisce on old dances, sounds, outfits, and aesthetics that instantly transport them back to a more carefree time online. However, the trends in 2016 did not stop at fashion or music. Food culture played a huge role in defining 2016, with viral menu items creating real buzz and community, such as Starbucks’ Unicorn Drink and Burger King’s Whopperito. Some fast-casual brands on Instagram have also already started tapping into this trend, sharing posts with 2016-inspired filters and visuals that evoke the era’s playful, colorful vibe.
So why is 2016 coming back now?
After years of increasing burnout and fear, people are craving something that feels normal again. 2016 felt lighter, more playful, and less heavy. Revisiting that era offers comfort and a sense of escapism from today’s society. For restaurants, it presents a chance to tap into a shared cultural memory that still holds emotional weight.
Now that we are officially teleporting back to 2016 in 2026, how can restaurants incorporate this trend in a way that feels intentional and current?
Many of the most recognizable food trends from 2016 can be reintroduced with a more health-conscious approach that aligns with today’s consumer priorities.
Galaxy and space-themed foods
Galaxy-inspired items can return through naturally colored glazes, butterfly pea flower drinks, or layered smoothies made with plant-based pigments. These visuals still deliver the wow factor that made them viral, while aligning with cleaner ingredient expectations.
Edible glitter
Once everywhere, edible glitter can now be sourced from plant-based or mineral alternatives and used sparingly on desserts or beverages. A subtle shimmer keeps the nostalgic look without overwhelming the product or the guest experience.
Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal was a big trend in 2016, appearing in ice cream, buns, and drinks. If you bring it back, use it sparingly to add visual interest without overwhelming the dish.
Overloaded milkshakes
Even overloaded milkshakes can make a comeback in a more refined form. Smaller portions, higher-quality toppings, and optional plant-based or lower-sugar bases allow indulgence without excess.
Beyond the visuals, these foods mattered in 2016 because they brought people together. Viral menu items gave guests a reason to gather, share photos, talk about what they tried, and feel part of something happening in real time. That sense of shared excitement is what many people are missing today, and something restaurants are uniquely positioned to recreate.
At a time where the United States feels increasingly divided, food remains one of the few ways for people to connect back together. Sharing a nostalgic menu item or offering a limited-time experience and items gives people something to bond over. It creates space for conversation, shared memories, and moments of connection that wipe out politics. In that way, revisiting familiar food trends is not just about nostalgia, but about bringing people back to the same table, even if it’s only for a moment.
Introducing these items as limited-time offerings keeps them exciting and prevents the trend from feeling overdone. Limited runs also mirror how these foods originally went viral, creating urgency, shareability, and organic social buzz.
Restaurants can also lean into nostalgia by reviving discontinued menu items that guests still talk about. Bringing back a fan favorite instantly sparks conversation and media interest. These returns feel personal to customers and reinforce brand history rather than chasing something new for the sake of it.
Beyond the menu, the 2016 revival can extend into restaurant operations and marketing. Hosting a 2016-themed night with a DJ, throwback playlist, or special dish lineup turns nostalgia into an experience. Social media can reflect the era as well, whether that means sharing photos of past dishes, leaning into grainy filters, or recreating the bright, slightly chaotic visual style that defined
Instagram in 2016.
The return of 2016 is not about recreating the past exactly as it was. It is about capturing the feeling. When restaurants balance nostalgia with modern expectations around health, quality, and intention, they give guests something familiar that still feels fresh. And in a crowded food landscape, that emotional connection can be just as powerful as the food itself.
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In today’s competitive restaurant landscape, attention is currency. With consumers spending more time on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, restaurant operators must meet guests where they are—and increasingly, that means leveraging influencer marketing as a core strategy. According to Businesswire, 81% of consumers report researching or purchasing a product or service after seeing social media content from influencers, friends, or family. Additionally, QSR Magazine has reported that restaurants utilizing influencer partnerships can generate an average of $6.50 in revenue for every $1 spent—a 650% return on investment. For operators focused on measurable ROI, this is no longer a trend—it’s a strategic channel. Why Influencer Marketing Works in Restaurants At its core, influencer marketing works because of trust and relatability. Guests are more likely to try a restaurant based on a recommendation from someone they follow and engage with regularly. Unlike traditional advertising, influencer content feels organic, personal, and experience-driven. A strong example is The Halal Guys, which gained significant traction after being featured by food influencers as “the best street food in NYC.” That exposure, combined with user-generated content and word-of-mouth, helped scale the brand into an international concept. For restaurant operators, the takeaway is clear: influencer marketing can accelerate brand awareness, drive trial, and amplify digital presence when executed correctly. Identifying the Right Influencers One of the most common mistakes operators make is selecting influencers based solely on follower count. In reality, alignment matters more than reach. Operators should evaluate: • Content niche (e.g., casual dining, vegan, upscale, budget-friendly) • Audience demographics and geography • Engagement rates (comments, shares, saves—not just likes) • Content quality and storytelling ability An influencer who aligns with your brand positioning will deliver far more value than one with a larger but less relevant audience. Micro vs. Macro Influencers Understanding influencer tiers is critical for budgeting and campaign planning. Micro-influencers (10,000–100,000 followers): • Higher engagement rates • More authentic and community-driven content • Lower cost per post • Ideal for local restaurant marketing and multi-unit campaigns Macro-influencers (100,000–1M+ followers): • Broader reach and brand visibility • Higher production quality • Higher cost • Best suited for brand launches or regional/national campaigns For most restaurant groups, especially those operating in the 1–20 unit range, micro-influencers provide the most efficient return on marketing spend. Best Practices for Working with Influencers Avoid scripting content Authenticity drives performance. Influencers understand their audience and voice—overly scripted content will reduce engagement and credibility. Provide structured brand guidelines Instead of scripts, provide clear expectations: • Key messaging points • Brand positioning • Deliverables (posts, reels, stories) • Do’s and don’ts Treat influencers as strategic partners Influencers are not just guests—they are content creators working on your behalf. Ensure: • Complimentary dining experience • Seamless access to food and environment • Clear communication before, during, and after the visit Measure performance Track KPIs such as: • Engagement rate • Reach and impressions • Click-throughs (if applicable) • Sales lift during campaign windows Integrating influencer marketing into your broader marketing stack—alongside email, loyalty, paid media, and reputation management—creates a more comprehensive growth strategy. Conclusion Influencer marketing is no longer optional for restaurant operators looking to remain competitive in today’s digital-first environment. When executed strategically—with the right partners, clear guidelines, and measurable goals—it can drive meaningful traffic, increase brand awareness, and deliver strong financial returns. Author Bio Jay Bandy is President of Goliath Consulting Group, a leading restaurant consulting firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 30 years of experience in restaurant operations, development, and growth strategy, Jay specializes in helping multi-unit restaurant brands improve profitability, scale efficiently, and implement data-driven marketing and operational systems. Goliath Consulting Group works with independent operators and regional chains across the Southeast and nationwide. To learn more about our services including menu development, business strategy, marketing, and restaurant operations, contact us at http://www.goliathconsulting.com or email us at getresults@goliathconsulting.com
Restaurant concept marketing has been a core pillar of the Goliath Business Model for over 16 years. Over that span, we’ve seen which marketing trends come and go, and which have lasting positive impacts for restaurant operators. From social media campaigns to strategic restaurant website design and public relations initiatives, Goliath Consulting has consistently helped restaurants not only attract attention but convert that marketing traction into real loyal customers. One of the biggest challenges restaurants face today is cutting through the digital noise. With countless brands competing for visibility online, it’s not enough to simply have a social media presence or a website. Restaurant marketing strategies need to be intentional, relevant, and results‑focused. This is where Goliath Consulting excels. We don’t just create content and marketing plans: we craft long‑term growth blueprints that turn the digital landscape into a revenue generator for your location. According to a 2022 academic study on digital marketing in the restaurant industry, social media, online branding, and online advertisements have a significant impact on restaurants’ competitiveness, helping them attract customers and enabling them to perform better against competitors who don’t use these tools as effectively. Leading the charge on these efforts is Adam Warmouth, Goliath Consulting’s Communications and Marketing Specialist. Adam brings over six years of hands‑on experience helping both small businesses and franchise owners stand out in crowded markets. His approach is defined by bold creativity, strategic insight, and a focus on measurable outcomes.
