GITNUX REPORT 2024

Key Eating Out Statistics: Americans Habits, Spending, and Preferences Revealed

Discover the Dining Habits of Americans: From Eating Out Statistics to Consumer Preferences Revealed!

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

Statistic 1

90% of consumers enjoy going to restaurants

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63% of consumers would rather spend on an experience than purchase an item

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40% of consumers say they are not eating on premises at restaurants as often as they would like

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54% of adults say restaurants are an essential part of their lifestyle

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72% of millennials prefer to spend money on experiences rather than material things

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53% of adults say purchasing food from restaurants is essential to their lifestyle

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78% of millennials prefer to spend money on experiences over things

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70% of adults say their favorite restaurant foods deliver flavor and taste sensations that can't be easily replicated at home

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63% of consumers would rather spend on a restaurant meal than buy new clothes

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88% of adults enjoy going to restaurants

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60% of consumers use restaurant websites to view menus, hours, and pricing

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45% of consumers say restaurants are an essential part of their lifestyle

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72% of consumers say they are more likely to choose a restaurant that offers healthy menu options

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66% of consumers say they're more likely to visit a restaurant that offers locally sourced food

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38% of adults say they're not eating on premises at restaurants as often as they would like

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52% of consumers say they feel safer dining at restaurants now compared to the beginning of the pandemic

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70% of consumers say they're more likely to choose a restaurant that offers menu items they can't easily make at home

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65% of consumers say they're more likely to visit a restaurant that offers new or seasonal menu items regularly

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47% of consumers say they use restaurant loyalty programs

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59% of consumers say they're more likely to choose a restaurant that offers contactless or digital payment options

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68% of consumers say they're more likely to visit a restaurant that offers outdoor dining options

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72% of diners say they check online reviews before choosing a restaurant

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55% of consumers say they're more likely to choose a restaurant that offers plant-based or vegetarian options

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67% of consumers say they're more likely to visit a restaurant that uses eco-friendly practices

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36% of adults say purchasing takeout or delivery food is essential to the way they live

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58% of adults say they are more likely to order takeout or delivery now than they were before the pandemic

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68% of consumers say they're more likely to purchase takeout or delivery food from a restaurant than they were before the pandemic

Statistic 28

61% of consumers order delivery or takeout at least once a week

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The global online food delivery market is expected to reach $200 billion by 2025

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77% of consumers say they order directly from a restaurant's app or website

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56% of consumers order food delivery at least once a week

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The global online food delivery services market is expected to reach $192.16 billion by 2025

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63% of consumers say they prefer to order directly from a restaurant rather than through a third-party app

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51% of Americans use restaurants each week

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The average American eats out 5.9 times per week

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Millennials eat out more than any other generation, averaging 5 times per week

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The average American eats 4.2 commercially prepared meals per week

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57% of millennials say they eat out at least three times a week

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The average American eats out 5.9 times a week

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The restaurant industry's sales are projected to reach $997 billion in 2023

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The restaurant industry is expected to create 1.6 million new jobs by 2030

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The global foodservice market is expected to reach $4.2 trillion by 2027

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The global fast food market is expected to reach $931.7 billion by 2027

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The restaurant industry is projected to add 500,000 jobs over the next decade

Statistic 45

The global cloud kitchen market is expected to reach $71.4 billion by 2027

Statistic 46

The global food service market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.76% from 2021 to 2026

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The global fast-casual restaurant market is expected to reach $209.1 billion by 2027

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There are over 1 million restaurant locations in the United States

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The restaurant industry employs 14.5 million people

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The restaurant industry's share of the food dollar is 51%

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The restaurant industry accounts for 4% of the U.S. GDP

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The average household spent $3,526 on food away from home in 2021

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The average American spends $3,000 a year dining out

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34% of consumers spend at least $50 per week on takeout or food delivery

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The average American household spends about 6% of their annual income on food away from home

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The average restaurant meal is 185% more expensive than a home-cooked meal

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The average American spends $3,365 per year on dining out

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The average American spends $232 per month on eating out

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The average household spent $3,459 on food away from home in 2020

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The average American spends about $3,000 a year on dining out

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The average American household spends $3,526 per year on food away from home

Statistic 62

The average American spends about 13% of their income on food, both at home and away from home

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Summary

  • 51% of Americans use restaurants each week
  • The average household spent $3,526 on food away from home in 2021
  • 90% of consumers enjoy going to restaurants
  • 63% of consumers would rather spend on an experience than purchase an item
  • The restaurant industry's sales are projected to reach $997 billion in 2023
  • There are over 1 million restaurant locations in the United States
  • The restaurant industry employs 14.5 million people
  • 40% of consumers say they are not eating on premises at restaurants as often as they would like
  • 36% of adults say purchasing takeout or delivery food is essential to the way they live
  • 54% of adults say restaurants are an essential part of their lifestyle
  • The average American eats out 5.9 times per week
  • Millennials eat out more than any other generation, averaging 5 times per week
  • 72% of millennials prefer to spend money on experiences rather than material things
  • The average American spends $3,000 a year dining out
  • 58% of adults say they are more likely to order takeout or delivery now than they were before the pandemic

Move over home cooking, Americans are letting restaurants take the reins with gusto! As 51% of them hit up dining establishments each week, spending an average of $3,526 annually on meals away from home, its clear that the culinary allure of eating out is irresistible. With the industry booming at over $997 billion in projected sales by 2023 and employing a whopping 14.5 million people, it seems like everyone is ditching their aprons for a taste of the restaurant scene. Find out more juicy stats and trends that highlight how the love affair with dining out is shaping modern lifestyles in our insightful blog post!

Consumer Preferences

  • 90% of consumers enjoy going to restaurants
  • 63% of consumers would rather spend on an experience than purchase an item
  • 40% of consumers say they are not eating on premises at restaurants as often as they would like
  • 54% of adults say restaurants are an essential part of their lifestyle
  • 72% of millennials prefer to spend money on experiences rather than material things
  • 53% of adults say purchasing food from restaurants is essential to their lifestyle
  • 78% of millennials prefer to spend money on experiences over things
  • 70% of adults say their favorite restaurant foods deliver flavor and taste sensations that can't be easily replicated at home
  • 63% of consumers would rather spend on a restaurant meal than buy new clothes
  • 88% of adults enjoy going to restaurants
  • 60% of consumers use restaurant websites to view menus, hours, and pricing
  • 45% of consumers say restaurants are an essential part of their lifestyle
  • 72% of consumers say they are more likely to choose a restaurant that offers healthy menu options
  • 66% of consumers say they're more likely to visit a restaurant that offers locally sourced food
  • 38% of adults say they're not eating on premises at restaurants as often as they would like
  • 52% of consumers say they feel safer dining at restaurants now compared to the beginning of the pandemic
  • 70% of consumers say they're more likely to choose a restaurant that offers menu items they can't easily make at home
  • 65% of consumers say they're more likely to visit a restaurant that offers new or seasonal menu items regularly
  • 47% of consumers say they use restaurant loyalty programs
  • 59% of consumers say they're more likely to choose a restaurant that offers contactless or digital payment options
  • 68% of consumers say they're more likely to visit a restaurant that offers outdoor dining options
  • 72% of diners say they check online reviews before choosing a restaurant
  • 55% of consumers say they're more likely to choose a restaurant that offers plant-based or vegetarian options
  • 67% of consumers say they're more likely to visit a restaurant that uses eco-friendly practices

Interpretation

In a world where experiences reign supreme and taste buds crave the unattainable, the restaurant industry stands as the modern-day temple of indulgence. From the millennial adventurers seeking culinary escapades to the discerning adults embracing a lifestyle defined by flavorful extravagance, the statistics paint a picture of a society that cherishes the art of dining out. With a dash of preference for healthy options and a sprinkle of eco-consciousness, the restaurant culture evolves, catering to the varied appetites and values of its patrons. As diners navigate a landscape where safety, sustainability, and innovation collide, one thing remains clear - the allure of a restaurant experience transcends the mere act of eating, becoming a cherished ritual that feeds not just the body, but also the soul.

Delivery and Takeout

  • 36% of adults say purchasing takeout or delivery food is essential to the way they live
  • 58% of adults say they are more likely to order takeout or delivery now than they were before the pandemic
  • 68% of consumers say they're more likely to purchase takeout or delivery food from a restaurant than they were before the pandemic
  • 61% of consumers order delivery or takeout at least once a week
  • The global online food delivery market is expected to reach $200 billion by 2025
  • 77% of consumers say they order directly from a restaurant's app or website
  • 56% of consumers order food delivery at least once a week
  • The global online food delivery services market is expected to reach $192.16 billion by 2025
  • 63% of consumers say they prefer to order directly from a restaurant rather than through a third-party app

Interpretation

In a world where pressing a few buttons can summon a delicious meal to your door, it's no wonder that takeout and delivery food has become a cornerstone of modern living for 36% of adults. The pandemic may have confined us to our homes, but it also unleashed our appetite for convenience, with 58% of adults admitting they're more inclined to dial up a delivery now than ever before. As we navigate this culinary landscape, it's evident that our loyalty to restaurant takeout is unwavering, with 68% of consumers opting to support their favorite eateries through delivery. Whether it's a weekend treat or a mid-week lifesaver, 61% of us are indulging in the luxury of delivery at least once a week, fuelling a booming global online food delivery market set to hit $200 billion by 2025. And as we savor the simplicity of ordering directly through a restaurant's app or website (according to 77% of savvy consumers) or embracing the convenience of third-party apps, it's clear that the world of food delivery is here to stay, serving up a feast of options for our taste buds and wallets alike.

Frequency and Habits

  • 51% of Americans use restaurants each week
  • The average American eats out 5.9 times per week
  • Millennials eat out more than any other generation, averaging 5 times per week
  • The average American eats 4.2 commercially prepared meals per week
  • 57% of millennials say they eat out at least three times a week
  • The average American eats out 5.9 times a week

Interpretation

It's no secret that Americans love their restaurant meals - with stats showing that they're more likely to dine out than to cook in. Millennials, in particular, seem to have a special affinity for the dining experience, leading the charge with their impressive 5 times a week out-of-home dining habit. While convenience plays a major role in this trend, it's important to consider the impact on health and wallets alike. With nearly 60% of millennials admitting to frequent dining out, it seems that the traditional home-cooked meal may be becoming a rare delicacy in today's fast-paced society.

Industry Growth

  • The restaurant industry's sales are projected to reach $997 billion in 2023
  • The restaurant industry is expected to create 1.6 million new jobs by 2030
  • The global foodservice market is expected to reach $4.2 trillion by 2027
  • The global fast food market is expected to reach $931.7 billion by 2027
  • The restaurant industry is projected to add 500,000 jobs over the next decade
  • The global cloud kitchen market is expected to reach $71.4 billion by 2027
  • The global food service market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.76% from 2021 to 2026
  • The global fast-casual restaurant market is expected to reach $209.1 billion by 2027

Interpretation

In a world where dollars and cents often dictate our dining decisions, the statistics on the restaurant industry's growth and projections read like a tantalizing menu of economic indulgence. With sales set to hit nearly $1 trillion by 2023, it seems we are all eagerly devouring what the foodservice market has to offer. As global fast food markets balloon and cloud kitchens loom larger on the culinary horizon, it's clear that the appetite for dining out knows no bounds. But behind the tantalizing figures lies a sobering reality: the creation of millions of new jobs in an industry that often grapples with low wages and job insecurity. So, as we salivate over the potential of fast-casual empires and the promise of growth in every CAGR, perhaps it's time we ask ourselves: are we feasting on a sustainable future for all those who serve us our daily fare?

Industry Size

  • There are over 1 million restaurant locations in the United States
  • The restaurant industry employs 14.5 million people
  • The restaurant industry's share of the food dollar is 51%
  • The restaurant industry accounts for 4% of the U.S. GDP

Interpretation

In a nation where the phrase "I'll cook" is often met with skepticism, the staggering statistics of the American restaurant industry speak volumes. With over 1 million dining destinations spread far and wide, it's no wonder 14.5 million people find employment within its delicious confines. As the industry defiantly claims a 51% share of the food dollar pie, it also modestly contributes a significant 4% slice to the grand buffet that is the U.S. GDP. So, next time you tip your server or savor that perfectly cooked meal, remember, dining out isn't just a pastime, it's an economic force to be reckoned with.

Spending

  • The average household spent $3,526 on food away from home in 2021
  • The average American spends $3,000 a year dining out
  • 34% of consumers spend at least $50 per week on takeout or food delivery
  • The average American household spends about 6% of their annual income on food away from home
  • The average restaurant meal is 185% more expensive than a home-cooked meal
  • The average American spends $3,365 per year on dining out
  • The average American spends $232 per month on eating out
  • The average household spent $3,459 on food away from home in 2020
  • The average American spends about $3,000 a year on dining out
  • The average American household spends $3,526 per year on food away from home
  • The average American spends about 13% of their income on food, both at home and away from home

Interpretation

In a world where grabbing takeout is as effortless as refreshing Instagram, the statistics on dining out in America paint a picture of a nation that is feeding more than just their appetites. With the average American shelling out thousands of dollars each year on restaurant meals, it seems we have mastered the art of outsourcing our culinary endeavors. From the allure of convenience to the tantalizing taste of indulgence, our wallets may be lighter, but our taste buds are certainly richer. Whether we're splurging on a fancy dinner or opting for a quick delivery, one thing is clear - eating out is no longer just a meal; it's a way of life.

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