Balanced
How sleepless nights are feeding a new economy
Gen Z's tech and entertainment habits drive a burgeoning "fourth-meal economy," creating late-night demand spikes for fast food and delivery. Chains are extending hours and engineering menus to adapt. This trend, fueled by global events and outsourcing, particularly in Asia-Pacific, marks a permanent food business shift. While restaurant margins see mixed effects from delivery costs versus idle kitchen use, the author stresses adaptation. Restaurants must embrace this consumer behavior, offering high-margin items like desserts or healthy 24/7 options, to succeed in this evolving market.
Economic Times · ET Bureau · Jun 29, 2026 at 6:00 PM