New National Restaurant Association Research Reveals More Americans Use Full Service Takeout 8/21/2003
From: Katharine Kim, 202-331-5939, Tom Foulkes, 202-331-5902, both of the National Restaurant Association; E-mail: media@dineout.org WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- Adapting to increasing consumer demand for convenience and service, table service restaurants across the country are offering a growing number of takeout options, according to new research by the National Restaurant Association. In addition, consumers' interest in drive-thru, separate pick-up areas for takeout and home delivery from fullservice restaurants is increasing. "Many Americans lead increasingly busy lives, but still want to enjoy their favorite restaurant's fare, try new cuisines, or have a quality meal without preparation or clean-up," said Steven C. Anderson, Association president and chief executive officer. "Ordering takeout or delivery instead of cooking at home allows people to spend more time with family and friends, and the nation's 870,000 restaurants provide myriad menu items to fit the diverse needs of a diverse population." A vast majority of family dining and casual-dining restaurants already offer takeout options to provide consumers with fast and easy takeout meals that fit into their busy lifestyles. According to the new Association research, nearly six out of 10 operators of restaurants with an average per-person check of $8 to $24.99 report that takeout represents a larger proportion of their total sales than it did two years ago. In addition, there is strong consumer interest in making off-premises service even more convenient. More than half (51 percent) of adult consumers indicated that they would like full service restaurants to provide a separate area of the restaurant for ordering and pick up of takeout food; more than four out of 10 (42 percent) said they would be interested in having full service restaurants offer home delivery; and more than four out of 10 (43 percent) would be likely to use drive-thru if offered by their favorite table service restaurant. The trend towards increasing use and interest of off-premises options at full service restaurants is particularly evident among younger consumers. Nearly six out of 10 adults between the ages of 18 and 34 indicated that they would be interested in home delivery, and more than half said they would be likely to use drive-thru. In addition, adults living in households with children show a stronger trend toward interest in drive-thru than those in households without children -- 50 percent and 39 percent, respectively. A chart of the number of full service restaurant operators reporting increases in takeout is available at the Association's Web site, http://www.restaurant.org/pressroom. The statistics were collected in the Association's 2002 Tableservice Operator Survey and 2002 Consumer Survey, and published in the 2003 Restaurant Industry Forecast. To purchase the 2003 Forecast, call 800-482-9122 or visit the Association's online store at http://www.restaurant.org. The price of the 2003 Forecast is $24.95 for Association members, and $49.95 for non-members. The Association's annual industry forecast provides an overview of consumer and industry trends and includes an economic outlook for sales by industry segments, and state-by-state projections. ------ The National Restaurant Association, founded in 1919, is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which is comprised of 870,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a work force of 11.7 million employees -- making it the cornerstone of the economy, career opportunities and community involvement. Along with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Association works to represent, educate and promote the rapidly growing industry. For more information, visit our Web site at http://www.restaurant.org. |