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Americans eating out less but satisfaction remains strong

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November 17, 2022

More than half, 59%, of Americans are eating out less often, compared to a year ago, across all food formats but most significantly in the casual dining industry. The fast food industry, in comparison, has experienced more gains than other formats in the past year.

The good news is that slightly more than half of Americans report restaurants are meeting their needs at about the same level as before the COVID-19 pandemic. Just 27% reported restaurants as not meeting their needs as well as a year ago.

Those are top findings from a nationwide study that polled 1,009 Americans released by Decision Analyst, a marketing research and analytics firm.

When shown a list of restaurant genres and asked to select the ones they most regularly frequented, 59% chose pizza, followed by 57% who selected burgers. Other top choices were Mexican food (47%), chicken (41%), American variety (40%), Chinese/Asian food (38%) and sandwiches (38%).

When it comes to complaints, 27% noted pricing as the top complaint followed by less attentive service, speed of service and food quality, according to a press release on the findings.

When it comes to restaurant patrons, nearly 40% are looking for some type of special diet, whether low calorie or gluten free. Six out of 10 are willing to wait a little longer for service and 42% would pay slightly more at a restaurant if it helped improve staffing and service.

"Prices are rising everywhere, and restaurants are no exception. A good portion of the population seems to understand that restaurants are struggling with costs of goods as well as with staffing shortages,'' Felicia Rogers, executive vice president at Decision Analyst, said in the release. "These people appear to have compassion for restaurant owners and workers and the wherewithal and willingness to pay a little more to support local businesses and enjoy a meal out.''