Consumers indicate they will dine out less frequently in 2014 due to a desire to eat healthier foods, according to Alix Partners North American Restaurant Consumer Sentiment Review. The study examined financial performance of 80 restaurants, seven foodservice companies and a consumer survey. The study found that the number of meals a consumer eats out each month decreased from 5.8 in the first quarter of 2013 to 3.8 in the third quarter of 2013. The survey found that consumers are eating out less due to a preference to eat healthier food options.
The study revealed that 51 percent of consumers rated healthy menu options as “important,” “very important” or “extremely important.” They also indicated that they would be unwilling to pay higher prices for healthier foods. Full report.