Americans are changing their dining habits, according to a recent report from US Foods, a national food service distributor. The report, based on a survey of 1,005 Americans, revealed that eating in sit-down restaurants has become the preferred way to dine in 2024, surpassing ordering takeout or delivery. On average, Americans now eat out almost five times a month and order delivery three times per month, a significant increase from the previous year.
One of the reasons for this shift, as reported by 72% of respondents, is that people don’t feel like cooking. Patrick DePula, the owner of Salvatore’s Tomato Pies restaurants, noted that the rising cost of cooking at home with quality ingredients has contributed to this trend. He mentioned that cooking at home can sometimes be as expensive as dining out, and the added benefit of being waited on and avoiding cleanup afterwards makes dining out more appealing.
The study aimed to uncover the reasons behind the preference for dining out. The top factors cited were the atmosphere, socialization, and special occasions. In terms of spending, Americans now allocate an average of $191 per month dining out, compared to $88.50 on takeout and delivery. Interestingly, the study also found a shift in spending by gender, with women now spending 33% more on average per month than men, a reversal from the previous year.
Casual dining remains the most popular type of dining, with 69% of respondents preferring this style in 2024. Diners have also shown increased patience, willing to wait up to 26 minutes without a reservation, compared to 20 minutes in 2023. Additionally, 90% of respondents expressed a preference for physical menus over QR codes, highlighting a preference for traditional methods of ordering.
Overall, the study reflects a significant change in dining habits among Americans, driven by factors such as convenience, cost, and experience. As the restaurant industry continues to adapt to these shifting preferences, understanding consumer behavior and preferences will be crucial for businesses to thrive in this evolving landscape.
