In any business, staying current and relevant is essential to survival. In the restaurant industry, it can make the difference between being the “talked about” neighborhood eatery and a forgotten sidekick.
According to Black Box Intelligence, “The key to thriving in this environment is maintaining agility and staying informed.”
To support you in your efforts to keep up with an industry and world that seems to be changing at a breakneck pace, we’re taking a deep dive into the latest Diner Trends Report by TouchBistro.
Surveying more than 1,500 American diners revealed their latest dining habits, an optimistic outlook on our guests’ continuing love for restaurants, and the desire to ensure they save some of their disposable income to enjoy dining out.
Let’s look at what these diners had to say.
Are diners cutting back on going out to eat?
With diners paying 12.5% more to eat out at their favorite restaurants compared to last year, one would think there would be a major pullback. Au contraire.
According to the report, the number of people dining out and ordering takeout has risen. About 42% of consumers dine out weekly, up 3% from the previous year. Looking to the future, while 18% of respondents plan on eating out less, 24% plan on dining out more, a somewhat surprising outcome in our current economic environment.
Who’s eating out?
Understandably, there seems to be a significant correlation between the frequency of dining out and household income. Those bringing in less than $50,000 are cutting back due to rising menu prices. Over 60% of households earning $200,000 or more dine out weekly or more, while only 27% of those earning less than $50,000 do the same.
As one would expect, Gen Z and Millennials lead the pack in dining out. The survey found that 42% of Millennials and 48% of Gen Z plan on eating out more often in 2025, and 20% of Gen Z eat out daily. Interestingly, half of them are more likely to choose a restaurant if it has earned a MICHELIN Star.
What about the state of delivery and takeout?
TouchBistro’s survey found that people are not cutting back on delivery or takeout despite inflation and rising costs. In fact, almost 45% of respondents order out at least once a week, and half of all Gen Zs plan on ordering more takeout and delivery meals.
The main reasons for their continued high demand are the desire to enjoy a meal from the comfort of their homes and convenience. Over 70% of Boomers order takeout/delivery because they like eating at home.
Many consumers who are cutting back on delivery are doing so because of the rising third-party fees, which include restaurant, delivery, and expedited fees. Others are cutting back because cooking their meals is less expensive.
Interested in which third-party delivery app is ahead in the crowded field? Over 70% of diners use DoorDash.
How can your restaurant attract the dining-out crowd?
Several interesting key points direct us to actionable insights. The survey noted that the solo diner is on the rise, with 21% of respondents dining out alone. That number rises significantly for the younger crowd, with 49% of Gen Z and 46% of Millennials dining out alone at least once a week.
To get in on this trend, restaurants are slightly revamping their interiors, creating spaces for lone diners in the main dining area and at the bar.
Restaurants also draw in budget-minded guests by creating a dedicated space for them on their menu. To combat the higher cost your guests are faced with, consider offering lower-price options such as small plates, specials, and daily beverage deals.
Over 60% of (surveyors) said limited-time offers (LTOs) motivate them to visit a restaurant. For the Gen Z crowd, that number jumps to over 80%.
Another draw is loyalty programs. About 48% of all diners participate in a loyalty program, and over 50% of loyalty program members eat out at least once a week.
And what about your all-important social media platforms? Those are definitely making a difference, with over 40% of diners using these platforms to help decide which restaurant to go to. For Gen Z, that number increases to 67%.
Lastly, when looking to beef up your delivery/takeout program, be mindful of those customers who want to enjoy your food at home but want to skip the added fees. If your property allows, consider designated curbside pickup spaces.
In the final analysis, TouchBistro’s survey revealed a resilient consumer who is conscientiously putting dining out and delivery into their budget. The five factors influencing a diner’s choice include the quality of food, location convenience, menu prices, type of cuisine, and the deals or specials the restaurant offers.
