Affordability remains a pressing constraint on takeout and delivery demand – NRA

USA – The National Restaurant Association’s Off-Premises Restaurant Trends report, released on April 16, highlights that financial limitations continue to be a significant factor preventing consumers from ordering takeout and delivery more frequently.

According to the report, 82% of consumers across all demographics expressed a desire to order delivery more frequently, with millennials showing the strongest interest—89% stated they would order delivery more often if given the financial flexibility.

Additionally, 71% of respondents indicated that they would use takeout or drive-thru services more frequently if they had more disposable income.

Consumer demand for off-premise options continues to grow, with 66% of consumers wishing for more takeout choices in their areas and 61% desiring more restaurants that offer delivery and drive-thru services.

Despite the ongoing trend of improving dining room experiences, the report reveals that off-premise dining is still the preferred choice for many consumers, particularly younger generations.

Takeout is a critical part of the lifestyle for 67% of Gen Z consumers and 64% of millennials, with both groups viewing it as an essential service.

Off-premise dining has become a significant part of weekly routines, with 37% of consumers ordering delivery, 47% opting for takeout, and 42% using drive-thru services each week.

As a result, many restaurant operators have adapted by expanding their off-premise offerings and adjusting their business models to cater to consumer preferences.

Chad Moutray, the NRA’s chief economist, noted that off-premise dining has become a key revenue driver for many restaurants.

He pointed out that it now accounts for a larger share of sales for 58% of limited-service restaurants and 41% of full-service operators compared to 2019, offering a vital path to growth despite economic challenges.

Interestingly, only one in five operators report a decline in off-premise sales since 2019. Full-service restaurants saw the largest increase in off-premise traffic, which rose to 30% in 2024 compared to 19% in 2019.

Limited-service restaurants also saw a significant increase, with off-premise traffic growing to 83%, up from 76% in 2019.

Many operators have made physical changes to their establishments to accommodate off-premise dining, with 40% of limited-service and 30% of full-service operators altering their restaurant layouts or parking areas in recent years.

Major chains, including Wendy’s, Burger King, and Applebee’s, have undertaken remodeling initiatives to optimize for off-premise traffic.

Additionally, 43% of full-service operators predict the rise of curbside pickup windows, while 31% expect more dedicated takeout counters, and 12% foresee additional drive-thru lanes.

As the market continues to evolve, chains like Del Taco, McDonald’s, and Chick-fil-A have embraced off-premise-only locations, underscoring the potential for operational changes to drive growth in this dynamic sector.

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