We are almost in the last quarter of this year, and two recent reports give insights on 2023 general dining habits.
The Restaurant Online Ordering Trends report offers insights from a survey of 1,505 US consumers and DoorDash data on changing restaurant consumer habits. Key findings include:
In 2023, food delivery and takeout are more popular than dining at restaurants, with 77% ordering delivery, 76% ordering takeout, and 61% dining in.
- Curbside pickup is favored, especially by parents, making it a convenient option.
- Due to their busy lifestyles, delivery is often a last-minute solution, especially for Gen Z and Millennials.
- Ordering restaurant food has become a weekly habit for almost half of consumers, with many using third-party apps.
- Consumers prefer ordering from local restaurants, with menu selection options a significant factor.
- Third-party apps like DoorDash are the preferred way to browse and order food.
- Social media and food photography influence younger consumers’ restaurant choices.
- Off-peak orders, including late-night and breakfast, are growing in popularity.
- Generational differences exist, with Gen Z and Millennials cooking less and Baby Boomers preferring home-cooked meals.
- Fries are the top food ordered on DoorDash, followed by burgers, tacos, salad, and pizza.
Another recent survey conducted by US Foods® on over 1,000 Americans in 2023 reveals changing dining-out habits and preferences:
- Americans increasingly opt for casual convenience, with takeout and delivery orders surpassing dine-in occasions. On average, they order takeout or delivery 4.5 times a month compared to eating at a restaurant three times a month.
- The top reasons for dining out include avoiding cooking (75%), convenience (51%), and socialization (44%).
- More than half (57%) prefer ordering takeout for its comfort and convenience.
- 54% are willing to wait 30 minutes or more for takeout, with fast food, fast-casual, casual dining, contemporary casual, and bar and grills being popular choices.
- 63% go out for the restaurant experience, including atmosphere and socialization.
- Better food quality, no cleanup, and socialization are key reasons for dining out over dining at home.
- Casual dining is the most popular restaurant type, followed by fast food, fast-casual, contemporary casual, and bar and grills.
- The shift from physical menus to QR codes due to the COVID-19 pandemic is not universally well-received, with 76% preferring physical menus.
- Cost is a significant factor, with half of Americans spending less than $20 per person when dining out, averaging $166 per person per month.
- Tipping habits vary, with some now tipping 20% or more for excellent service.
- “Bar and grills” are a popular dining choice, with booths and TVs contributing to their appeal.
In 2023, Americans appreciate the dining-out option for its convenience, experience, and diverse restaurant choices. They use apps like DoorDash to order meals during off-peak hours, and older generations prefer home-cooked meals. It will be interesting to see if these trends continue into 2024.
Sources:
Doordash
usfoods.com
Openai.com