How customers' dining preferences and spending habits are shifting in 2024

Dining out triumphs over takeout in 2024, driven by consumers seeking atmosphere and socialization along with a restaurant meal. That’s according to the recent Diner Dispatch survey conducted by foodservice distributor US Foods.

This year, 55% of customers prefer dining at restaurants over ordering takeout or delivery, versus 43% in 2023. Diners are also spending more; the average monthly spend is $191 in 2024 compared to $166 in 2023. But inflation and jacked-up menu prices no doubt contributed to that surge.

What is more surprising is that women are now spending more on dining out than men: 33% more on average per month. In 2023, male diners outspent females by 19%. 

While fast-casual restaurants are outperforming other sectors in the industry, the survey finds that casual dining continues to be the most popular restaurant choice when dining out, climbing up to 69% in 2024 from 63% in 2023.  

US Foods concludes that the in-restaurant customer experience continues to play a key role in driving profitability and customer loyalty. 

And customers of all ages prefer print menus over the QR codes that rose in popularity during the pandemic: 90% versus 74% year-over-year. Even Gen Z has shifted its opinion, with 90% in favor of print compared to only 69% in 2023.

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To collect the data, Rosemont, Illinois-based US Foods surveyed more than 1,005 people this past April, a sample which reflects the demographic makeup of the general American population.

A breakdown of the survey results. | Graphic courtesy of US Foods

“As a leader in foodservice and a proud partner of our customers, we are excited to share the diner trends currently shaping the restaurant industry,” Diane Hund, SVP and CMO of US Foods, said in a statement. “Now in its second year, our 2024 Diner Dispatch provides deeper insights into the preferences shaping how diners approach their dining experience. It allows us to delve into how diner preferences have shifted since last year and, in turn, deliver our promise to help our operators 'make it.'”