News

NRA predicts 100 million diners for New Year's weekend

December 14, 2011

The National Restaurant Association estimates that 100 million Americans will celebrate the New Year by going out to a restaurant or bar, or by ordering restaurant takeout or delivery.

The NRA's new research also shows that half of American adults plan to dine out with family or friends over the next few weeks to celebrate the holidays.

"New Year's is traditionally one of the most popular times of the year to dine out," said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of the Research and Knowledge Group for the NRA. "This year, we expect to see a welcomed bump in customer traffic both on- and off-premises as we ring in the New Year."

The survey shows that one in five consumers (20 percent) plan to go out to a restaurant or bar on New Year's Eve, and 22 percent said they plan to order restaurant takeout or delivery on that day.

On New Year's Day, 12 percent plan to dine out and 16 percent say they plan to order takeout or delivery from a restaurant.

In addition, 10 percent of consumers say they plan to dine out on Christmas Eve, 8 percent plan to dine out on Christmas Day, and 4 percent plan to do so on the start of Hanukkah (Dec. 20). Fifty percent say they plan to share a special meal with family or friends at a restaurant during the holidays.

The NRA surveyed 1,006 American adults from December 8-11 about their dining and restaurant gift card plans for the upcoming holiday season. Projections are based on economic analysis and research conducted over the last two decades by the association.

Read more about trends and statistics.