Final answer:
The restaurant industry has seen a major shift towards the growth of online food delivery and food delivery apps since the mid-2000s, driven by advancements in technology and globalization. This has increased consumer access to a wide variety of cuisines and convenience in ordering food. Option C is correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Since the mid-2000s, the major change that has taken place in the restaurant industry is c) Growth of online food delivery and food delivery apps. This change is largely due to major shifts centered on technology and globalization, which are interconnected. The surge in communications technologies has revolutionized how consumers interact with businesses. With the internet becoming a staple in daily life, there has been a dramatic increase in competition among local retail businesses, as consumers have more options to order products, including food, from regional or global markets.
Moreover, the concept of McDonaldization, which refers to the principles of the fast food industry like efficiency, predictability, and standardization, has had a significant impact on the marketplace. However, in reaction to the homogeneity brought by this phenomenon, there has been a countermovement focusing on uniqueness and individuality. Nevertheless, the significant uptake in technology usage has fueled the growth of the online food delivery sector, making it easier for consumers to access a wide variety of cuisines right from their smartphones or computers. This change represents a substantial shift in consumer behavior and has had a profound impact on the restaurant industry as a whole.
Contrary to a reduction in the variety of cuisines offered, the expansion of international communication and business platforms has indeed increased the diversity of culinary options available to consumers. Despite any negative aspects such as decreased product variety in some contexts due to McDonaldization, the personalization and convenience offered by modern technology have become a hallmark of dining experiences in the 21st century.