New National Restaurant Association Research Shows More than One in Three Will Dine Out on Valentine's Day 2/9/2004
From: Katharine Kim of the National Restaurant Association, 202-331-5939 or media@dineout.org WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 -- Sharing a special dinner is a longstanding tradition for couples on Valentine's Day. According to the National Restaurant Association's 2004 Holiday Dining survey, many American couples choose to enjoy such a dinner at one of the nation's 878,000 restaurants. The survey showed that 35 percent of Americans plan to dine out this Feb. 14, and 28 percent did so last year, making this day the second most popular holiday to dine out after Mother's Day. Of those who intend to dine out this Valentine's Day, 80 percent expect to spend less than $100 on their meal, with an average of $62. "Valentine's Day is sure to be a busy evening at the nation's restaurants, being the second most popular holiday to dine out, and serve millions of memorable meals," said National Restaurant Association President and Chief Executive Officer Steven C. Anderson. "In addition, Feb. 14 falls on a Saturday this year, which is the most popular day of the week to visit a restaurant throughout the year. Should your favorite eatery be fully booked this weekend, remember that many restaurants offer takeout options for convenient-but still romantic-dining at home." The survey showed that, in 2003, 41 percent of individuals between the ages of 25 and 34 were most likely to dine out on Valentine's Day 2003. Looking at Valentine's Day 2004, nearly half of those age 18-24 (47 percent) and two out of five consumers age 25 to 44 said they plan to eat a meal at a restaurant on that day. Respondents living in the South are more likely to dine out on Valentine's Day 2004 (39 percent), as are those with a household income of more than $75,000 (42 percent), and those living in households of three or more individuals (41 percent). Individuals planning to visit a restaurant this Valentine's Day anticipate spending an average of $62, although 20 percent of the respondents plan to spend $100 or more. A chart of the percentage of adults who intend to dine out on Valentine's Day 2004 is available at the Association's Web site, http://www.restaurant.org/pressroom. ------ The National Restaurant Association, founded in 1919, is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which is comprised of 878,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a work force of 12 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. | |