As inflation causes the rise of food costs, consumers are considering the best options for dining. On average, 40 percent of individual or family food budgets is spent on restaurants each month, according to Popmenu’s nationwide survey conducted in May 2022. When ordering online, one-third (33 percent) of consumers spend $50 or more per order, on average.
While the convenience and taste of professionally-cooked meals influences the reliance on restaurant dining, cost is also a factor. In a Q1 2022 study of 1,000 US consumers, Popmenu found that 29 percent of consumers said that it’s cheaper to order from restaurants than buy all the items needed to cook a meal, while 27 percent said it costs roughly the same, without all the work.
Another reason why consumers enjoy restaurant dining is the moments that can occur, whether planned or unplanned. In Popmenu’s May 2022 survey, consumers reported experiencing the following at restaurants:
- Reunited with family and friends – 47 percent
- Made a new friend – 36 percent
- Met spouse or significant other – 26 percent
- Watched favorite team win a national championship – 25 percent
- Landed a job – 20 percent
- Signed a business deal – 18 percent
“Restaurants play an important role in everyday life, from making meals to making memories,” says Brendan Sweeney, chief executive officer and co-founder of Popmenu. “While consumers are keeping a closer eye on economic trends and their overall spending, restaurant dining continues to account for a significant portion of their food budgets each month. Where they ultimately choose to spend their dollars is, in part, influenced by how much the restaurant is keeping consumers engaged through digital outreach and how frictionless the overall experience is both online and on-premise. Quality, convenience and value are top of mind.”
