Restaurants: Consumers want more takeout, but lack the cash
- InsightTrendsWorld
- Apr 16
- 7 min read
Why it is the topic trending:
Consumer Demand for Off-Premise Dining: The article highlights the strong and persistent desire among consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, for takeout and delivery options from restaurants.
Financial Barrier to Consumption: It identifies a key disconnect between this desire and actual behavior, revealing that cost is a significant factor preventing consumers from ordering more frequently.
Restaurant Industry Trends: The piece discusses how the restaurant industry has been adapting to the growing demand for off-premise dining through operational changes and new business models.
Insights from the National Restaurant Association: The findings are based on a report from a reputable industry association, providing credible data on consumer preferences and restaurant trends.1
Overview: The article discusses the findings of the National Restaurant Association’s Off-Premises Restaurant Trends report, which indicates a strong consumer desire for more takeout and delivery options, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z.2 However, the report also reveals that financial constraints are preventing consumers across all demographics from ordering as often as they would like. Despite this, the restaurant industry has increasingly focused on expanding off-premise services as a key revenue driver and a way to engage with consumers.3
Detailed findings:
82% of consumers said they would order delivery more often if they had the money, including 89% of Millennials.
71% would order takeout or use the drive-thru more if they had more funds.
A majority (66%) wished for more takeout options in their market, and 61% wanted more restaurants offering delivery and drive-thru services.
Millennials (64%) and Gen Z (67%) view takeout as a vital part of their lifestyles.
Consumers typically order off-premise at least once per week, with 37% using delivery, 47% takeout, and 42% drive-thru.
Off-premise dining now accounts for a larger share of sales for 58% of limited-service and 41% of full-service operators compared to 2019.
Only one in five operators report a decline in off-premise business compared to 2019.4
Many restaurants, including Wendy’s, Burger King, Denny’s, Chili’s, and Applebee’s, are remodeling to accommodate off-premise orders.5
Restaurants anticipate increased use of curbside pickup windows, dedicated takeout counters, and additional drive-thru lanes.6
Some chains like Del Taco, McDonald’s, and Chick-fil-A have been opening off-premise-only stores.7
Key takeaway: There is a significant unmet consumer demand for restaurant takeout and delivery, particularly among younger generations, but financial limitations are a major barrier. The restaurant industry is responding by expanding off-premise options, recognizing it as a crucial element for revenue and growth.
Main trend: The Persistent Demand for Off-Premise Restaurant Dining Constrained by Economic Factors
Description of the trend (please name it): The Takeout Temptation vs. Wallet Watch. This trend highlights the strong and ongoing desire among consumers, especially younger demographics, for the convenience and lifestyle integration of restaurant takeout and delivery services. However, it also underscores the significant role that financial constraints play in limiting the frequency with which consumers can indulge in these options, creating a gap between their preferences and their actual spending habits.
What is consumer motivation: Consumers are motivated by the convenience, variety, and often the enjoyment of not having to cook, which takeout and delivery offer.8 For younger generations, it aligns with their fast-paced lifestyles and the integration of food delivery into their social and work routines.
What is driving trend:
Convenience and Time Savings: In today's busy world, takeout and delivery offer a quick and easy way to have meals without the time commitment of cooking.
Variety and Choice: Restaurants offer a wide array of cuisines and meal options that might not be readily available or easily prepared at home.
Lifestyle Integration (Younger Generations): For Millennials and Gen Z, ordering food online has become a normal and integrated part of their social lives and daily routines.
Restaurant Industry Adaptation: The increased focus of restaurants on off-premise services makes these options more readily available.
What is motivation beyond the trend: Sometimes, ordering takeout or delivery is about treating oneself, celebrating, or simply not feeling like cooking after a long day.
Description of consumers article is referring to (what is their age?, what is their gender? What is their income? What is their lifestyle): The article specifically highlights Millennials and Gen Z as demographics who view takeout as vital.9 However, the finding that financial constraints limit ordering applies across all demographics. This suggests that while younger generations have a stronger affinity for off-premise dining, cost is a barrier for people of various age groups, genders, income levels, and lifestyles. Their lifestyles likely involve a desire for convenience and potentially busy schedules that make cooking less appealing or feasible.
Conclusions: There is a strong underlying demand for takeout and delivery from restaurants, particularly among younger consumers, but economic factors are significantly influencing how often this demand translates into actual orders. The restaurant industry is responding to this demand by expanding off-premise options.10
Implications for brands:
Restaurants: Need to consider pricing strategies and potentially offer more value-oriented options to encourage more frequent ordering, while also continuing to invest in efficient off-premise operations.
Third-Party Delivery Platforms: May see continued usage but also potential price sensitivity from consumers.
Grocery Stores: Could see competition from consumers opting for cheaper at-home meal solutions.
Implication for society: The desire for convenience versus the reality of economic constraints highlights a common tension in modern consumer behavior.
Implications for consumers: Consumers will likely continue to weigh their desire for takeout and delivery against their budgets, potentially leading to a balance of restaurant ordering and home cooking.
Implication for Future: The "Takeout Temptation vs. Wallet Watch" trend suggests that the demand for off-premise dining will remain strong, but the actual volume will likely be influenced by economic conditions and the availability of affordable options.
Consumer Trend (name, detailed description): The Convenience-Driven but Budget-Aware Eater: This trend describes consumers who highly value convenience and are drawn to options like takeout and delivery, but who are also increasingly conscious of their spending and will make choices based on affordability.
Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description): The At-Home Indulgence Seeker: Consumers who might limit restaurant takeout and delivery due to cost but still seek ways to treat themselves with enjoyable food experiences at home, potentially through elevated home cooking or affordable meal kits.
Big Social Trend (name, detailed description): The Gig Economy and the Demand for Convenience: The rise of busy lifestyles and the gig economy often lead to a greater reliance on convenient services like food delivery.
Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description): The tension between the desire for convenience and the constraint of budgets is a prevalent theme in consumer behavior across many parts of the world.
Social Drive (name, detailed description): The Need for Convenience and Efficiency in Daily Life: Consumers often seek solutions that save them time and effort, especially when it comes to meal preparation.
Learnings for brands to use in 2025 (bullets, detailed description):
Recognize the strong consumer interest in off-premise dining.
Understand that cost is a significant barrier for many consumers.
Consider offering value-driven options and promotions.
Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025 (bullets, detail description):
Restaurants: Explore offering value menus, family bundles, or loyalty programs for takeout and delivery.
Delivery Platforms: Consider tiered pricing or subscription models to offer cost savings to frequent users.
Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article: The NRA report highlights "The Takeout Temptation vs. Wallet Watch," revealing a strong consumer desire for more takeout and delivery that is currently limited by financial constraints.
What brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it: In 2025, restaurants and food delivery services should cater to "The Takeout Temptation vs. Wallet Watch" trend by:
Developing and promoting value-oriented takeout and delivery options, such as special bundles, discounted meals during off-peak hours, or family-sized portions at competitive prices to address consumers' financial constraints.11
Implementing effective loyalty programs and offering personalized promotions to encourage repeat business and make off-premise dining more affordable for regular customers.
Optimizing their online ordering and delivery platforms to ensure efficiency and potentially lower costs associated with these services, which could translate to better value for consumers.12
Final note:
Core Trend: The Takeout Temptation vs. Wallet Watch: Persistent demand for off-premise dining constrained by economic factors.
Core Strategy: Offer Value-Oriented and Efficient Off-Premise Options: Addressing the tension between consumer desire and financial limitations.
Core Industry Trend: The Growing Importance of Off-Premise Dining for Restaurant Revenue: A key area for adaptation and growth.
Core Consumer Motivation: Need for Convenience and Value in Food Choices: Balancing the desire for ease with budget considerations.
Final Conclusion: The NRA report clearly indicates a significant and enduring consumer appetite for restaurant takeout and delivery, but for this trend to fully flourish, particularly in the current economic climate, the industry needs to focus on providing greater value and affordability to bridge the gap between consumer desire and purchasing power.
Core Trend Detailed: The Takeout Temptation vs. Wallet Watch
Description: The Takeout Temptation vs. Wallet Watch trend highlights the strong and ongoing desire among consumers, especially younger demographics, for the convenience and lifestyle integration of restaurant takeout and delivery services. However, it also underscores the significant role that financial constraints play in limiting the frequency with which consumers can indulge in these options, creating a gap between their preferences and their actual spending habits.
Key Characteristics of the Trend (summary): Consumers, particularly younger generations, strongly desire restaurant takeout and delivery, but their ability to order is often limited by their finances.
Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend (summary): The NRA report indicates that a large majority of consumers, especially Millennials, would order takeout and delivery more often if they had the funds, and there's a desire for more off-premise options in the market.
How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior (summary): Consumers are frequently weighing their preference for the convenience of takeout and delivery against their budgetary limitations, often resulting in a lower order frequency than desired.
Implications Across the Ecosystem (For Brands and CPGs, For Retailers, For Consumers, summary):
For Brands and CPGs: Restaurants need to consider value-driven pricing and efficient off-premise operations. Delivery platforms might face price sensitivity.
For Retailers: Restaurants and delivery services should focus on providing affordable options.
For Consumers: Individuals are balancing their desire for convenience with the need to manage their spending on food away from home.
Strategic Forecast: The "Takeout Temptation vs. Wallet Watch" trend suggests that the demand for off-premise dining will remain strong, but the actual volume will likely be influenced by economic conditions and the availability of affordable options.
Final Thought: The NRA report highlights "The Takeout Temptation vs. Wallet Watch," revealing a strong consumer desire for more takeout and delivery that is currently limited by financial constraints.
Comentários