Abstract

The rise of digital marketing and online platforms changed how diners experience food with visual appeal and distinctiveness valued alongside flavor. Food experiences become accessible through blogs, videos, and reviews encouraging diners to try world cuisines like Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Philippines, and other theme-house specialty restaurants. This transformation presented issues in hospitality business like shifting consumer expectations and increased competition. A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted with 150 respondents from selected NCR cities divided equally between management and customers to gather information about gastronomic experiences and operational perspectives. This analysis used purposive sampling and frequency distribution to select participant responses and the data was presented in tabular form related to the gap. Food quality, service, atmosphere, novelty, price, security, sanitation, and promotions were rated positively. While, employees raised concerns about labor shortages, inflation, and ineffective management while customers expressed issues about bad service, food safety, and changing consumption behavior. The results presented impacts of emerging food trends and digital influence on restaurant operations and customer satisfaction making difficult for businesses to adapt marketing strategies and service delivery to be competitive in the foodservice industry.

Keywords: Gastronomic experience, Theme-House specialty restaurants, Consumer behavior, Dining satisfaction, Hospitality industry challenges