NEW YORK –Americans have reduced dining out occasions over the past six months, according to survey results issued by Harris Interactive. Despite the reduction in dining out, 64% of U.S. adults have dined at a QSR in the past month, while more than half (52%) have dined at a casual dining restaurant chain, according to a company-issued press release.
When asked whether they have eaten out more or less frequently within the past six months, consumers responded “less frequently” more than “more frequently” among all restaurant types:
- QSR chain: 26% said that they were dining out at QSRs less, 14% said they were dining at QRSs more;
- Local casual dining restaurant: 20% said they were dining there less, 14% said more;
- Casual dining restaurant chain: 24% said that they were dining there less, 11% said more;
- Local fine dining restaurant: 21% said that they were dining there less, 7% said more; and
- Fine dining restaurant chain: 23% said that they were dining there less, 4% said more.
When it comes to choosing a restaurant, the most frequently cited factor was good prices (90%), while 59% said that they consider special offers and 56% look for healthy menu items that fit a specific dietary need.
American food was the top cuisine preference of respondents (31%), followed by Italian (23%), Mexican (16%) and Chinese (14%).
“Consumers' restaurant behaviors continue to evolve, as does the country's economic fortunes. Restaurant visits appear to be in decline over recent months, but at the same time this decrease in restaurant visits appears to be leveling off versus 2012 findings. This is trend is surely one the restaurant industry will be watching closely,” noted the press release.