Consumers Prefer Quick-Service Options While Restaurant Dining Declines

The restaurant industry will see stalled customer traffic in 2017, according to predictions from market research firm The NPD Group. Visits to quick-service restaurants will see an increase of 1%, and dine-in establishments will see a drop of 2%, NPD estimates.

NPD’s restaurant analyst Bonnie Riggs shared some reasons and insight for these predictions with NRN, including:

• Grocery stores now offer more fresh prepared items that are pre-cooked or ready to cook at home

• Lower grocery prices

• Increased medical costs reduce discretionary income

• Rising restaurant prices

• Rising gas prices

Although more and more restaurants are opening, consumers aren’t eating out more. Restaurants will have to be more innovative with technology and strategies to stay afloat.

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