Small business owners in the food industry, rejoice! A new analysis from Square reveals promising trends in fried rice that could significantly influence decisions for restaurants and takeout operations. In an engaging twist on culinary culture, the data provides insights that can help local eateries capitalize on popular preferences and drive sales.
The study focused on item-level transactions from Square sellers across the United States during the first half of 2025. It closely analyzed which fried rice variations are gaining traction, how they resonate with customers, and what implications this has for small business owners. As meme culture continues to influence consumer behavior, understanding these preferences can offer a competitive edge.
One of the standout findings demonstrates that chicken fried rice remains the reigning champion, accounting for 11% of all fried rice sales. Its popularity isn’t just a fleeting trend; it tops menu offerings in 29 states. "Chicken fried rice is not just a dish on the menu; it’s become a staple for many diners. Its consistency and familiarity resonate with consumers," one expert commented.
However, the data reveals surprising runners-up in the fried rice arena. Pineapple fried rice emerged as a significant contender, comprising 5% of all fried rice dishes sold. Enabling a culinary twist that combines sweetness with savory flavors, this variation has gained a strong foothold in states like Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Colorado. The rise of pineapple fried rice may present a unique avenue for restaurants to expand their offerings, potentially attracting adventurous eaters or those looking for something novel.
For small business owners, this rising popularity of fried rice variations indicates a favorable environment for menu experimentation. Those who take the plunge and introduce or emphasize these dishes could see an uptick in customer interest. Additionally, the interplay between meme culture and food choice provides an intriguing angle for marketing and social media outreach. “Soon you’ll be making memes about how a pineapple fried that rice,” a Square representative noted, highlighting a growing intersection between food and viral trends.
Embracing meme culture could also enhance engagement with younger consumers who frequent platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Creative social media campaigns could not only promote new menu items but also tap into existing trends that resonate with these audiences. Small businesses that master this balance between innovative offerings and effective marketing strategies stand to benefit significantly.
However, it’s essential to consider potential challenges. With changing consumer preferences, restaurant owners must ensure that their offerings remain diverse and appealing. Overloading a menu with trends can backfire if not aligned with what local customers actually want. Identifying the right time to introduce new items, like pineapple fried rice, could also require careful planning and market research.
Furthermore, quality and authenticity remain paramount. In a fast-paced environment where trends can shift rapidly, maintaining the integrity of your dishes while innovatively catering to consumer demands is crucial. Business owners will need to train staff adequately, ensure quality control, and possibly refine their sourcing of ingredients.
Ultimately, staying ahead of the curve involves a combination of keen observation, customer feedback, and experimentation. By embracing the data and insights from Square’s analysis, small business owners can craft unique dining experiences that resonate with the evolving preferences of their customer base, all while adding a touch of fun to their marketing strategies.
For those interested in tapping into upcoming food trends, particularly the rise of fried rice variations, this might be your cue to reassess your menu and engage with your social media channels. The burgeoning fusion of food and meme culture may just be the recipe for success in the competitive restaurant landscape.
Explore the full findings and analysis of this study on the original post at Square here.
Image Via BizSugar
