As the most popular holiday of the year to dine out, Mother's Day will entice nearly half of Americans to dine out or order restaurant takeout or delivery on May 10. New research from the National Restaurant Association also shows dinner as the most popular meal period to dine out, and that six in 10 consumers who plan to celebrate the occasion by dining out will do so at a relaxed, casual dining restaurant.  

"With one million restaurant and foodservice locations across the United States, consumers have myriad options this Mother's Day," said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of research for the National Restaurant Association. "Whether consumers pick mom's preferred buffet breakfast or her favorite fine-dining dinner, America's restaurants are stepping up to the plate to help families celebrate the special occasion. And while a majority of consumers make their Mother's Day meal plans less than a month out, nearly one in five has been planning their celebratory meals for more than one month."

According to the National Restaurant Association's survey:

38 percent of consumers plan to dine out on Mother's Day.

7 percent plan on getting restaurant takeout or delivery.

In addition, the new research shows that of consumers who plan to have a celebratory restaurant meal on Mother's Day:

62 percent will select a casual dining restaurant.

25 percent will opt for fine dining.

15 percent will choose a buffet-style restaurant.

8 percent say they plan to go to a fast casual restaurant.

2 percent will opt for traditional quickservice.

When it comes to when consumers will have their Mother's Day restaurant meals:

49 percent will dine out for dinner. 

33 percent will select lunch.

24 percent will choose brunch.

8 percent say they will opt for breakfast.

Among consumers who plan on ordering restaurant takeout or delivery for their Mother's Day meal:

53 percent plan to do so for dinner.

43 percent plan on doing it for lunch.

Brunch is more common among older consumers (31 percent of individuals 65 and older), while younger consumers are more likely to choose dinner (56 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds).*

Older consumers are more likely to choose a fine dining restaurant (41 percent of those 65 and older), while younger consumers are more likely to visit a buffet (22 percent of those 18-24). Households with children are also more likely to choose a buffet (22 percent).

This year, 83 percent of those who plan to celebrate Mother's Day at a restaurant made their plans to do so less than one month ahead of time. Seventeen percent made their plans well in advance, longer than one month prior.