WASHINGTON—Seventy-seven percent of consumers will dine out during the holiday season, according to the National Restaurant Association.

According to a new survey, 57% of consumers plan to go out to eat at a restaurant, while 50% plan to order takeout or delivery for a gathering at home during the holidays. One in four consumers plan to do both.

When choosing the restaurant, convenience and loyalty were top of mind for most consumers. A restaurant close to home was the top pick for 94% of consumers going out to eat and 91%  are planning to order out. Eighty-one percent of diners plan to dine in a restaurant they’ve often visited during the holidays, while 79% of diners will order out from one.

When asked about why they plan to include restaurant meals in their holiday plans:

• 88% said dining out or ordering a meal from a restaurant is a good way to support businesses in their community during the holidays.
• 82% said letting restaurants do the cooking is easy and reduces their stress.
• 78% said a restaurant gives them an opportunity to socialize with family and/or friends and is a better use of their time than cooking and cleaning up.

During the holidays—maybe more than any other time of the year—we work to make meaningful connections with people in our lives. The restaurants in our communities provide the space and the comfort to do that while sharing a meal,” said Michelle Korsmo, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “The holiday season is important to restaurant operators and employees who work hard to make it special. When you choose restaurants, you get the flavors you crave without grocery shopping and preparation. You get familiar holiday dishes, without the dishes to wash. You get beloved traditions, without all the preparations. When you let restaurants do the cooking, restaurants let you take a holiday from the holidays.”

According to the survey, inflation is impacting consumer decision-making during the holidays, making them more interested in restaurants where they can find a deal or specials.

• 89% of consumers who plan to dine in a restaurant and the same number who plan to order out will consider deals or specials to pick the restaurant.
• 60% of customers eating out and 66% of those planning takeout are making their choices based on marketing emails from restaurants. Even fewer are being swayed by social media—just 58% of people planning to eat out and 65% of those planning delivery or takeout say social media marketing will be a determining factor in their choice of restaurant.

“As c-stores upgrade their foodservice offerings to be on par with QSRs, consumers may be more likely to choose the option that is most convenient for them,” writes Forbes. “Speed is one factor, but so is location (consider that 7-Eleven footprint) and additional offerings, like gas or beer. For the latter, the scale will always tip in c-stores’ favor.”