New Food Trend: Standing Restaurants

It's standing room only at the trendiest restaurants in Tokyo - and that's by design!  The latest food trend in Tokyo is gourmet restaurants where customers stand to eat their meal, and industry experts predict that it's only a matter of time before they start to appear in the United States.

While stand-up-style restaurants aren't necessarily a brand-new commodity, the focus on a "five-star"-quality experience is.  In the past, consumers have been used to having to stand at hot dog stands and deli counters in subways, airports, and other urban areas.  The designers of these newer restaurants aren't serving burgers, fries, and sandwiches;  Instead, diners get the sort of food that they would expect at an upscale restaurant - except - they stand while eating.

Gourmet standing restaurant a Tokyo hit | Reuters.