Consumer 
Insights &
Market Intelligence

December 6 2021.

Positive week on week trends have returned following a slight decline in October. Dollar velocity, average check value, and ticket counts are all above 2019 and 2020 levels. Frequency of visits continues upward momentum with 2 in 5 consumers having been out to drink in bars/restaurants in the past 2 weeks.

November 8 2021.

Online delivery orders are projected to account for 21% of restaurant orders by 2025. Consumers prefer direct digital ordering from the restaurant versus a third party app, as long as it is optimized. Most important factors are a good experience, an ability to customize items in the order, and food that is ready fast.

October 11 2021.

Future visitation intent remains positive as 7 in 10 consumers are planning to visit the on premise in the next 2 weeks for food-led occasions. Over 2 in 3 consumers have ordered food for takeout/delivery in the past 2 weeks. Of those ordering takeout/delivery, over 3 in 4 have ordered more than once.

September 8 2021.

The on premise is still the place to build brands. 3 in 5 consumers state that experiences in the on premise have prompted them to purchase drinks in the off premise. Utilize LTOs to drive consumer decision and engagement, and ensure bartenders and staff are educated on brands and promotions.

August 9 2021.

There is a positive outlook on future visitation, as 7 in 10 consumers are planning to visit the on premise in the next 2 weeks for food-led occasions and almost 2 in 5 for drink-led occasions. Consumers’ frequency of visiting the on premise has increased vs. previous months, with almost 75% visiting 3 or more times in the past 3 months.

July 7 2021.

On premise velocity is trading up versus previous years, largely due to higher average check values. Consumer confidence is soaring with nearly 3 in 4 consumers having returned to the on premise. Consumers are ready to reconnect, celebrate and treat themselves.

June 7 2021.

2 in 5 consumers have returned to the on-premise because they wanted to go back to normal. Gen Z and Millennials are leading the way back to on-premise – 72% of consumers aged 22-34 have been out to eat since venues reopened, and 29% of consumers aged 22-34 have been out for a drink since venues reopened.

May 5 2021.

Nearly 2 in 3 consumers have returned to the on-premise. The top reasons consumers visited were to eat food cooked and prepared by a restaurant, and to order drinks that are not as easy to make or replicate at home.

April 7 2021.

The anniversary of the pandemic has passed and most consumers expect status quo or an improving scene for the on-premise.

February 24 2021.

January 20 2021.

Overall Operator Worries About Surviving This Crisis Are Decreasing Slightly

January 6 2021.

79% Of Consumers Are Drinking As Much Or More Alcohol As A Result Of The Pandemic. 9 In 10 Operators Are Optimistic About The Future Of Their Business.

December 16, 2020

COVID Has Hit The Restaurant Industry Hard, Resulting In A $130 Billion Dollar Loss Compared To A Year Ago. The Good News Is, Consumers Crave Certain Meals They Can Only Get At Restaurants. Safety Remains Of Utmost Importance Moving Forward.

December 2 2020

27% of consumers are drinking more as a result of the pandemic. Tequila continues to gain ground on Vodka in terms of on premise spirits consumption.

November 18 2020.

2 in 5 Consumers Are Definitely Avoiding Going Out To Eat. Despite This, Restaurants Still Have An Opportunity To Be Part Of Consumer Holiday Celebrations.

November 3 2020.

1 in 2 consumers are very concerned about COVID-19. Just 1 in 5 have no concerns going out to eat.

October 20 2020.

Consumer concern about COVID-19 has remained steady over the last month. 2 in 5 consumers have noticed price increases at on premise locations.

October 6 2020.

45% of consumers are definitely avoiding going out to eat; however, consumer concerns about COVID-19 have decreased to levels observed in May, indicating a return on premise soon may be likely to occur.

September 23 2020.

51% of consumer are definitely avoiding going out to eat with 38% saying they will return once there is a vaccine available. Just 15% of consumers have gone out for a drink despite the fact that 26% report they are drinking more during the pandemic.

September 10 2020.

Operators continue to fear for their business's survival beyond the pandemic but they are doing what they can to stay afloat by offering carryout, delivery, and curbside pickup.

September 2 2020.

Consumer concern has risen to early pandemic levels with 52% very concerned about COVID-19. 31% have tried cocktail kits for takeout or delivery.

August 25 2020.

43% Of Consumers Will Return On Premise When There Is A Vaccine Available. 46% Have Been Out To Eat and 14% Have Gone Out For A Drink In The Past Two Weeks.

August 19 2020.

On premise velocity is up +217% compared to when the pandemic began. Average check value is only 8% lower than it was a year ago

Nielsen

August 12 2020.

47% of consumers are definitely avoiding going out to eat. 42% have been out to eat in the last two weeks and 15% have returned on premise for a drink.

July 28 2020.

Consumer concern about COVID-19 is rising back to peak concern levels with 58% very concerned and 52% definitely avoiding going out to eat.

July 28 2020.

48% of consumers are interested in cocktail kits. Make room on re-tooled menus for the local market drinks consumers may be missing from restaurants

Datassential

July 22 2020.

35% of operators plan to reduce the number of items on their menus. 33% of consumers are craving a specific dish from a certain restaurant

Datassential

July 22 2020.

38% of consumers have been out to eat in the last two weeks while 14% have been out to drink. Younger consumers (21-34) have slowed down their eating and drinking occasions while older consumers (35+) have increased visitation.

Nielsen

July 22 2020.

On Premise velocity in outlets that are currently operational is down -30% vs last year in the week to July 11, this is however an +184% increase on March 28 when On Premise shutdown commenced

Nielsen

July 14 2020.

65% of consumers have ordered takeout or delivery in the last two weeks. 13% of consumer are expected to add alcohol to their orders in the next two weeks.

July 14 2020.

Younger consumers are more likely to return on premise for a drink (21% of consumers between ages 21 and 34) . There are many things no premise accounts can do to encourage consumers to return.

July 7 2020.

Velocity in the On Premise for outlets that are currently operating has improved to -10% vs the norm in the week to June 27, representing a +220% increase on March 28 when On Premise shutdown commenced. Average check value is also continuing its upward trajectory and is now only -2% lower than Pre-COVID norms, up from -50% at its lowest.

Nielsen

July 7 2020.

60% Of Americans say they will go eat on premise within a month of the curve flattening. It's imperative for on premise locations to innovate their business model to stay afloat.

June 30 2020.

Report 27. 68% of consumers agree that restaurant food is a treat/escape from worrying about COVID and are most excited to reconnect with family and friends over food.

Dataessential

June 30 2020.

More 21-34 year olds (42%) have been to eat, the older age groups are closing the gap with 35% of 35-54 year olds and 33% of over 55s, illustrating that the higher risk groups are feeling more confident about returning. In terms of spend in bars and restaurants, positively 70% say they are spending more or the same pre-COVID-19.

Nielsen

June 30 2020.

50% of consumers will probably continue ordering delivery/take out vs eating in the restaurant when COVID-19 social distancing restrictions are lifted

Datassential

June 23 2020.

Update from 061820

Datassential

June 23 2020.

061820 Update: Whether re-tooling for delivery or preparing for re-opening, regional foodways offer familiarity and comfort to consumers during uncertain times. Make room on re-tooled menus for the local market dishes consumers may be missing from restaurants.

Datassential

June 17 2020.

1 in 3 on Premise visitors have been in bars/restaurants to eat in the last two weeks. Those who have not returned to eat or drink said the biggest concerns are not feeling safe being in close proximity with strangers in these places (45%) and not feeling safe going out at the moment (41%).

Nielsen

June 17 2020.

44% of operators closed their dine in service, but offer takeout or delivery. 43% plan to reopen as soon as restrictions are lifted with 56% planning to offer a limited menu.

Nielsen

June 17 2020.

45% of consumer are definitely avoiding eating out - continuing the downward trend. 26% of consumers are taking fewer precautions simply because they are 'over it'.

Datassential

June 17 2020.

Whether re-tooling for delivery or preparing for re-opening, regional foodways offer familiarity and comfort to consumers during uncertain times. Make room on re-tooled menus for the local market dishes consumers may be missing from restaurants.

Datassential

June 23 2020.

Velocity in the On Premise has improved to -23% vs the norm in the week to June 13, representing an +175% increase on March 28 when On Premise shutdown commenced. Average check value is also continuing its upward trajectory and is now only -8% lower than Pre-COVID norms, up from -50% at its lowest.

Nielsen CGA

June 9 2020.

A look at the local landscape in states open for max 50% capacity with local dishes consumers can't wait to order.

Datassential

June 9 2020.

Only 49% of people are concerned with Coronavirus - the lowest level since March. 56% say it's too risky to go to a nightclub at this stage.

Datassential

June 9 2020.

60% of consumers feel very safe getting food from a customer (up +7% from 2 months ago). 80% of consumers don't think it is safe to eat at a restaurant yet.

Datassential

June 9 2020.

Make room on re-tooled menus for the local market dishes consumers may be missing from restaurants. Here is a look at the local landscape in states open for max 50% capacity.

Datassential

June 9 2020.

49% of consumers are definitely avoiding going out to eat but that number hasn't changed compared to May 22nd. 21% of consumers say it is already safe to eat at restaurants but the majority say it will take more time.

June 17 2020.

As COVID-19 has affected operators, this study looks at what they plan to do moving forward. 43% of operators plan on reducing their menu offerings. 53% plan on increasing their sanitation practices - helping ease any safety concerns consumers may have.

Datassential

June 2 2020.

Update by Market

Datassential

June 2 2020.

Issue 6 Part 1. The report is attached and in there you will see some really encouraging stats around how the channel is beginning to recover.

Nielsen CGA

June 2 2020.

96% of restaurants have made some operational changes as a result of COVID-19. Only 11% are feeling very nervous that their operation will not be able to come back to business.

Datassential

June 2 2020.

2 in 3 consumers feel very safe getting food from a restaurant but almost all traffic still remains outside of the dinig room. Consumers continue to feel safer dining from chains instead of independent restaurants. 05.21.20

Datassential

June 2 2020.

50% of consumers will probably continue ordering delivery/take out vs. eating in the restaurant when COVID-19 social distancing restrictions are lifted. However, the majority of consumers would likely order in a restaurant - a good sign for on premise locations.

Datassential

May 26 2020.

Bi-Weekly Report Topline Recap 05.16.20

NCGA

May 26 2020.

Issue 5 Part 2. As some states see restrictions ease, we see vast improvements in velocity trends.

Nielsen CGA

May 26 2020.

Avoidance of eating out is beginning to decline among consumers. 76% Who ordered a family meal bundle from a restaurant for pick-up / delivery will continue to do so after COVID-19.

Datassential

May 26 2020.

65% Of Consumers Feel Very Safe Getting Food From A Restaurant But Only 19% Think It's Already Safe To Dine In At A Restaurant. 05.21.20

Datassential

May 19 2020.

As states begin to reopen, many consumers are still hesitant to return. There are some best practices to be considered to alleviate these concerns.

Datassential

May 19 2020.

Datassential

May 19 2020.

Latest data on consumer desires and expectations around food shopping, ordering, and dining experiences, as well as tactical points on reopening.

Datassential

May 19 2020.

051220

Datassential

May 15 2020.

This week we focused on states where the channel has opened. 21% of consumers from these four states say they have been out for an eating occasion in bars and restaurants since they started reopening.

Nielsen

May 12 2020.

Although some states have been much more eager than others to catalyze a return to normalcy, the verdict is clear: “reopening” will not be an on/off switch, but rather a gradual, phased process that is subject to future revision.

May 12 2020.

On the brink of non-essential businesses reopening, how has living with and living through the crisis for another month impacted how consumers will ease back into restaurant dining, and what can operators do to make it a satisfying experience?

Datassential

May 12 2020.

In our sixth episode, we’re getting granular around closure and opening data across the U.S. and what it means for operators – what has opened, temporarily closed, or permanently closed at state and local levels.

Datassential

May 5 2020.

Measuring On Premise Impact

Nielsen

May 5 2020.

Two-thirds of those who thought about getting restaurant food went on to do so. Most Americans think it will be safe to dine in at a restaurant within 3 months.

Datassential

May 5 2020.

Starting May 1 states are beginning to lift restriction on Dine- In, though often with limitations on capacity. The attached TDLinx Tracker shows the changes as of May 1, with around 26% of Dining now able to offer some form of Dine- In.

Nielsen TDLinx

May 5 2020.

After the last few weeks of week-on-week velocity increases, the market has begun to flatten out. Delivery with alcohol has increased, consumers drinking more while in lockdown vs less, consumers will return to the channel - to vensues with appropriate social distance measures in place.

Nielsen CGA

April 28 2020.

Though concerns continue to remain high, there’s a bright spot as consumers rally behind establishments and shift towards eating out with 41% of consumers reporting eating from a restaurant the prior day.

Datassential

Register for the Webinar 

April 28 2020.

A guide for the Restaurant Industry 

April 28 2020.

Current Week Consumer & Category Trends 

April 21 2020.

While many thought about getting restaurant food, only 50-60% of those went on to do so. Restaurants are in the consideration set for most Americans.

Datassential

Register for the Webinar 

April 21 2020.

Doordash has halved its commissions for its existing restaurant partners.
 

April 17 2020.

Issue 3

Nielsen  |  CGA
 

April 17 2020.

Current Consumer and Category Trends
 

April 17 2020.​

Nielsen  |  CGA
 

April 14 2020.

Fridays @2pm CST.

Dataessential
 

April 14 2020.

Making restaurant pickup and delivery relevant to Hispanics during Covid-19

Mintel
 

April 14 2020.

Shape Future Restaurant Loyalty
 

April 14 2020.
 

April 14 2020.

Total US Insights

Nielsen
 

April 14 2020.

Black Box Intelligence
 

April 14 2020.

Takeout Takeover

Mintel
 

April 14 2020.

Shift to BevAL Dine-Out Option

Nielsen 

April 14 2020.

Click & Collect Ready

Nielsen TDLINX 

April 14 2020.

Restaurants pivot to grocery in the wake of COVID-19

Mintel 

April 6 2020.

Dataessential
 

April 6 2020.

Dataessential 

April 6 2020.

Current Industry Trends 

April 6 2020.

Issue 2

Nielsen  |  CGA 

March 2020.

Issue 1

Nielsen  |  CGA 

March 2020.

Monitoring the Impact of Covid-19 on U.S. Bars and Restaurants

Nielsen  |  CGA