Going out to eat has become more of a luxury for many Americans, as prices continue to rise and we try to find ways to spend less. When we do treat ourselves to a restaurant meal, we want it to be an enjoyable experience, but there are some things that can ruin it before the entrees are even served.
A new survey of 1,000 U.S. diners reveals what would make them walk out of a restaurant or never go back.
- Rude service is the top turn-off, with 40% saying that would keep them from returning to a restaurant.
- Two in 10 respondents say they’ve walked out of a restaurant because the staff was rude.
- Number two on the list is cold food, which would make 35% of diners decide not to go back.
- More than a quarter (27%) say they wouldn’t return to a restaurant that had long waits and 30% admit they’ve walked out before ordering somewhere because the wait was so long.
- We all want to think a place is clean if we’re having a meal there, but things like sticky menus or a stick table can make us second guess that. Those are also enough for 24% of those polled to decide not to return to a restaurant.
The survey also highlights the top trends in dining out today:
- Solo dining is becoming more popular, with 55% of diners asking for a table for one.
- A third of respondents say eating alone is self-care and 30% like to use it as a way to test out new restaurants.
- Adults are also ordering from the kids’ menu more, with 44% saying they regularly do so.
- While some prefer the simpler meals and lower prices, others are fans of the smaller portions, especially those taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic.
- Tip fatigue is also really weighing on customers, as 54% of diners say they feel pressured by preset tipping screens. That’s up from 47% last year.
- Nearly half (44%) admit they’re tipping less now, and 29% are so over it, they’d rather eliminate tipping altogether.
- But 59% still believe tipping delivery drivers is important and 33% say the same about coffee shop staff.
Source: USA Today