DINING HABITS HAVE BEEN DISRUPTED

The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has disrupted consumers’ dining habits, with families preparing meals or procuring food from restaurants offering delivery, takeout, and curbside service, and eating at home. Trends that are solidifying during this period are poised to persist once restrictions ease.

Distinctive consumer groups are coming into sharper focus: those who are willing to patronize restaurants in any way they can during this time (for some, this may stem from a desire to support local businesses; for others, it may be more about convenience or pleasure), and those who are categorically opposed (a large group). To manage the challenges during this time, restaurants must craft tailored strategies for each group. Our U.S. consumer pulse survey offers insights on how consumer dining habits have been shaped by the crisis and trends supporting longer-term sentiment.

AT A GLANCE

  1. Bad news for third-party delivery providers: meal pickup methods are winning out over delivery
  2. Stimulus checks likely won’t boost restaurant spending
  3. Dining habits catalyzed by the crisis are shaping longer-term sentiments