In its 2026 Trends Predictions Report, Paytronix looked at the trends that shaped 2025 to see what will shape the restaurant and convenience retail industry over the next 12 months. A big theme forecast for 2026: AI will be integrated across various levels of operations.
“One direction I anticipate the industry going in 2026 is the rise of automation tools, specifically those for small businesses,” said Tim Ridgely, vice president of engineering at Paytronix. “As labor costs rise and margins tighten, smaller operators are under pressure to do more with less. The consumerization of AI and technological advances in hardware are making automation accessible like never before.
“We’re talking about running powerful AI models on compact, affordable devices, without massive infrastructure or sky-high budgets ... This convergence of lightweight automation and intelligent data interpretation isn’t just a tech trend. It’s also a lifeline for small operators navigating rising costs in an already high-risk industry. It’s happening quietly, but it’s going to redefine what ‘small business’ can achieve,” Ridgely added.
In the report, Paytronix noted that brands are increasingly deploying predictive ordering and staffing models, personalized recommendation engines that tailor offers based on individual behavior, dynamic pricing based on demand insights and loyalty status, and automated data analysis to identify performance gaps in real time.
Other trends the company noted include an increased priority for personalized, wellness-focused experiences; restaurant and convenience store subscription models will become more common; and value is now measured by experience, not price.
“Guests now view c-stores as more cost-effective experience centers as opposed to being merely low-cost establishments. … Digital convenience, personalization, brand engagement and brand loyalty programming have become more important than discounting,” Paytronix wrote.
Andrea Neurohr, VP of marketing at Coen, agreed, sharing that “In 2026 I believe that brands will begin to master broadcasting the perception of value. The thing that always comes out of any period of economic uncertainty is the need to offer value. That doesn’t just mean a coupon or a value meal, it also means providing the perception of value to your customers. Are you messaging correctly where the customer feels like they’re getting a deal simply by choosing you vs. choosing a specific product you sell? The brand itself matters, and I think will continue to matter even more throughout the next twelve months.”
For more on the trends shaping the industry in 2026, check out “2026: What Will Power Convenience in the Year Ahead” in the January 2026 issue of NACS Magazine.