If you’ve ever had to decide on a restaurant with someone, you know how difficult of a process it can be. One person wants Italian food but the only restaurant in town that offers it is $20 per person. There are many factors that go into deciding where to go when eating out and each of these factors are important to know for both consumers as well as for restaurant owners.
The types of food they offer
One of the most important factors when deciding where to go is the type of food that the restaurant offers. Surprisingly, only 17% of Americans prefer Italian restaurants and only 16% prefer Mexican food. While only a small percent of Americans prefer Italian food, Americans who live in the East are the most likely to choose it as their favorite. Around 42% of Americans state American food as their preference. The type of food, however, is not the only factor that people consider.
The breadth of their menu
Many people consider the breadth of a restaurant menu when deciding where they should go when eating out. In fact, about 78% of people agree that a menu with a broad variety is an important part of their decision. This may be because a broad menu allows all types of eaters to be satisfied.
Whether or not they offer healthy food
In 2015, many people are on a diet or are trying to eat healthier food. Therefore, whether or not the restaurant offers healthy food is incredibly important. About 54% of Americans agree that they consider this factor when deciding where to go when eating out.
Whether or not they’re present on social media
Research by Empathica shows that around 72% of customers use Facebook to make decisions about where to go when dining out. So, if you own a restaurant, you may want to consider making a Facebook page or increasing your presence on other social media accounts.
The price of their food
One of the most important factors that Americans consider when eating out is the price of the food. Most people, on average, only go out for lunch two times per week, spending an average of $10 each time. So, if you are a lunch restaurant charging more than $10, you really need to advertise in a unique way to bring in customers.
So, what factors do you consider when deciding on a restaurant? Is price the most important or do you focus on the type of food you’ll be eating? Let us know in the comments!
