The Skinny on Dining Out

THE SKINNY ON DINING OUT ... .... .......... ARE RESTAURANT MENUS RUINING OUR HEALTH AMBITIONS? Who doesn't want a perfect evening out, away from the kitchen and the mass of dishes? Most Americans love dining out, but even those who can afford the luxury are abstaining from restaurant fare in an effort to save cash and stay healthy. We take a look at what Americans truly want out of their restaurant experience. BUDGET-CONSCIOUS In a survey by NPD Group, respondents identified whether they consider themselves financially strained or financially comfortable. HOUSEHOLD INCOME $45k- $74.9 $75k- $100k- $99.9 $149.9k 56% 44% HOUSEHOLD INCOME $45k- $74.9 $75k- $99.9 $100k- $149.9k <$44.9k $150k+ <$45k $150k+ FINANCIALLY FINANCIALLY COMFORTABLE 14% 24% 24% 10% 12% 30% STRAINED 23% 18% 26% 19% 0% 100% 0% 100% 30% of respondents who consider themselves financially strained have an income of more than $150,000 per year. ....................................................... CUTTING DOWN ON DINING OUT According to the survey, both the financially strained and the financially comfortable groups are visiting restaurants less, but citing different reasons for cutting back. FINANCIALLY STRAINED FINANCIALLY COMFORTABLE consumers cited price and affordability as reasons for dining out less. consumers cited health concerns as the leading reason for avoiding restaurants. ..... SEEKING QUALITY Foodservice consulting firm AlixPartners explored what is most important to consumers when they choose to dine out. CONSUMERS RATE WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT WHEN HEALTHY While quality of food remains a key driver in restaurant DINING OUT OPTIONS choice, consumers are opting for dining options with healthier items on the menu. 65% Rated healthy menu options as important. 37% 44% 27% 26% Want to eat healthier when 56% ....... dining out. Food quality Customer Menu Health Said nutritional information affects & taste service variety options 62% ordering decisions. Numbers do not add to 100 percent because respondents were allowed multiple answers. ............................................ WHAT'S REALLY IN YOUR RESTAURANT FARE? Authors of Eat This, Not That recently divulged the nutritional information behind some of the most popular, seemingly healthy restaurant options. It seems like consumers may really have something significant to worry about. Take a look at this calorie overload! IHOP Ruby Tuesday Olive Gerden Applebees CHICKEN & SPINACH SALAD AVOCADO TURKEY BURGER CHICKEN PARMESAN NEW ENGLAND FISH & CHIPS 1,600 calories 886 calories 1,090 calories 1,930 calories ............... .. ................ .................... 118 grams of fat 54 grams of fat 49 grams of fat 138 grams of fat In 2012, consumers are projected to spend 5 percent less per meal when dining out. Turns out, today's customers want both great deals and healthy options when spending their hard-earned cash at restaurants. But savvy consumers should also note that most restaurants' healthy options may simply not be as figure friendly as they claim to be. SOURCES: ALIXPARTNERS.COM, NPD.COM, HEALTH.YAHOO.COM COUPON CABIN.COM