Consumer Trends

How will the COVID-19 crisis change consumer dining behavior?

New data explores how consumers’ eating and shopping habits are likely to change because of the virus.
busy restaurant
Photograph: Shutterstock

The coronavirus crisis is forcing all consumers to adopt new habits surrounding dining at restaurants and eating in general. Poll data released this week shows that those behaviors might have long-lasting impacts for restaurants, even once the current COVID-19 threat has eased.

After the pandemic has passed, consumers expect to be much less reliant on takeout than they are now, according to a survey by AMC Global, a market research firm. Currently, 33% of consumers say they’re getting more takeout than before the pandemic. But just 13% of consumers say they expect to be as reliant on off-premise dining after the threat passes.

“The current pandemic is changing consumer behavior and will continue to have an influence even when the crisis subsides,” AMC Global said in a news release.

Among the poll’s other findings:

  • 45% of consumers say they’re currently eating less fast food than they normally do.
  • 38% of consumers say they will support local businesses more in the future.
  • 32% of those polled plan to make more home-cooked meals after the virus passes.
  • Currently, 33% of consumers are baking more than they typically do.
  • 40% of those surveyed said they plan to focus more on saving and budgeting their money after the coronavirus threat passes.
  • A quarter of those surveyed said they’re currently drinking more than three alcoholic beverages per week, while just 9% say they plan to keep up that pace post-pandemic.

 

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Food

Veggie Grill evolves the menu to keep pace with plant-based trends

Behind the Menu: Since the fast casual’s start in 2006, many new meat and dairy alternatives have come to market and consumers’ health perceptions have changed. Veggie Grill has been forced to change too.

Financing

The Subway saga takes another turn

The Bottom Line: Just when we thought the massive deal was set to go through, the feds stepped in to have their say.

Financing

Retailers are bracing for a tough few months. Restaurateurs should heed the warning

The Bottom Line: Large retailers are concerned about a softening consumer and already see evidence that is happening. But restaurant executives seem far more optimistic.

Trending

More from our partners