More Consumers Dining Out This Holiday Season

A total of 63% of adults plan to eat out during the next several weeks and 48% plan to order takeout or delivery, according to the National Restaurant Association. The association conducted a survey of more than 1,000 adults across the U.S. in November.

“Our research confirms that restaurants serve a practical need during the holiday season—giving guests the gift of time so they can enjoy the warmth of good company with family and friends,” says Michelle Korsmo, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, in the press release.

Consumers also plan to let restaurants play a supporting role in their meals at home. Sixty-six percent of those choosing to order in from a restaurant will order the entire meal, the association says, while 89% will order the main course, 86% sides, 74% appetizers and 63% desserts.

Also of note, the association says, operators should look for social inspirations when putting together their holiday main courses, given the emergence of social media-driven trends. Plus, it found that millennials think takeout or delivery options are more important than baby boomers do, and they’re also more likely to use a restaurant over the holidays to avoid grocery shopping during busy times, beating out Gen Z and baby boomers.