Diners to Cut Back, Expect More
Nearly 70% of U.S. consumers plan to reduce restaurant dining in 2026, citing economic uncertainty and inflation as primary reasons. A Popmenu survey found that when these guests do dine out, particularly at high-end establishments, they expect more value and a more memorable, personalized experience.
- The cost of dining out has risen faster than cooking at home; over the past year, restaurant prices increased by 4% year-over-year, while grocery costs only rose by 2.1%. - This belt-tightening is reflected in a drop in average weekly consumer spending on restaurants, which fell from $115 in June 2025 to approximately $90 by February 2026. - A "K-shaped" economic recovery is impacting the industry, with higher-income households driving growth in restaurant spending while lower- and middle-income consumers are reducing the frequency of their visits. - When diners do spend, they seek a return on their investment; 39% state they are looking for a dining experience, not just a meal, and 61% of operators are responding by planning more theme nights, interactive dinners, and other unique events. - To deliver on personalization, 87% of restaurant operators are now using technology to automatically tailor marketing messages and promotions based on a guest's specific order history and preferences. - In response to rising food and labor costs, 71% of restaurant operators plan to raise menu prices in 2026, a significant increase from the 57% who did so in the previous year. - Many upscale Chicago restaurants are adapting by moving away from traditional high-cost formats, instead introducing more approachable, interactive, and seemingly affordable tasting menus to attract diners. - Technology is becoming central to creating premium experiences, with operators increasingly using AI and robust CRM systems to track guest preferences, spending history, and special occasions to make personalization seamless.
