Time moves quickly. Before we know it, our kids have grown up and are contributing members of society. For entrepreneurs encased in running a business, it’s easy not to notice the subtle changes around you.
For many restaurants, diner demographics are changing. The tables that were once filled with Baby Boomers now have a growing number of younger guests, and these guests are spending quite a bit at restaurants.
What is your target demographic?
When considering restaurant customers, the demographics are often divided by commonalities in age, sex, income, and education. After all, a restaurant focused on sports, beer, and wings has a far different target market than the health-conscious brand serving organic, plant-forward bowls.
Surveys, social media posts, online reviews, loyalty programs, and observation all help to determine the age group your restaurant is attracting. And, of course, while you may find Boomers are your biggest fans, a little tweaking in marketing, operations, and menus may entice a different generation to become brand-loyal ambassadors.
Here, we’ll explore this changing landscape and how to draw in one or every generation.
Generational Differences When Selecting Restaurants
In February 2025, Eater and Vox Media conducted a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults who dine out at least once a month. This survey examined how diners of different ages find and select restaurants.
It comes as no surprise that the younger generations are more focused on social media. 77% of Gen Z and 67% of Millennials find out about new restaurants through social media platforms. While 72% of Gen Z respondents trust social media recommendations, only 21% of Boomers feel the same.
Social media videos such as “What I ordered” are also a calling card for Gen Z, with almost 60% saying these videos influence the restaurants they want to try.
One thing common to all generations is changing dining behavior due to inflation. Almost 30% look for special deals and over 25% dine out more readily for special occasions.
If influencers have found your restaurant, you’re definitely in with the younger generations.
Seeking Experiences
The following information offers great insight into how to attract varying demographics. Interestingly, Gen Z wants to explore different cultures when dining out and is more likely to share what they find on social media. Exotic, global cuisine aligns with their interest in various cultures and is one of the reasons that fusion flavors are trending.
Millennials are focused on culinary explorations, while Gen X and Boomers rated relaxation and comfort as the top experiences they want when dining out.
Restaurants offering experiential special events and tastings, such as a night in Greece or Southeast Asia, are sure to find interested diners.
Dining Preferences
The Louisiana Restaurant Association reported on the differences in generational spending.
- Gen Z: Your social impact on the world is extremely important to the younger generation. They value sustainability and go to restaurants that do the same.
- Millennials: This generation looks to experiences and appreciates technology that makes dining out more convenient.
- Gen X: Value is a strong consideration for Gen X.
- Boomers: The older generation still focuses on quality more than cost.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to update your entire menu to align with your target demographic. Offering a few specials and special events strategically shared on social media can garner the interest needed to bring new customers into the fold. Then, it’s up to you to keep them.
At EMERGING, we see experiential concepts, particularly those involving competitive social entertainment and sportainment, as the future of the industry. The combination of elevated food and beverages, technology, and entertainment is hard to beat and is currently gaining tremendous ground.
It’s part of the reason we developed the EMERGING Fund, a venture capital firm focused on high-tech experiential entertainment and hospitality tech. To learn more about our investment strategies or to schedule a consultation, contact EMERGING.
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