Factors Influencing Restaurant Selection in South Florida: Is Health Issue One of the Factors Influencing Consumers' Behavior When Selecting a Restaurant?

The purpose of the present study was to find factors influencing consumers when selecting a restaurant in South Florida. Respondents were asked to rate provided attributes in a 5-point Likert scale according to their preferences in selecting a restaurant when dining out. Respondents were also asked to indicate on a 5-point scale the importance of healthy food for choosing a restaurant when dining out. Based on the results of one-way ANOVA and factor analysis, the study found that reasons for choosing a restaurant with concerning health issues differed according to consumers' knowledge of health issues, annual income level, budget for dining out, and weight concern.