Consumers' Restaurant Choice Behavior and the Impact of Socio-Economic and Demographic Factors

This study investigates economic and socio-demographic factors influencing food facility choice for an evening meal. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted using data from the 1994-1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) and the Diet and Health Knowledge Survey (DHKS). Results indicate that income, age, household size, household composition (presence of a young child), urbanization, day of the week, and season of the year affect the choice of a particular foodservice facility for an evening meal. The demand for evening meals at full-service restaurants is likely to increase due to the aging of "baby boomers," increasing household income, and decreasing household size. Quick-service restaurants, as they strive to maintain and grow market share, might consider focusing on the needs of households with young children.