Eating Out on the Outs

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Eating Out on the Outs
By: Karen A. Spencer, Food Information Consultant

Consumers eat out for a variety of reasons: special occasions, family time, finishing off a night of entertainment etc. With the current recession consumers have less disposal income and are making different food choices.

Americans are spending far less than they did a year ago at restaurants. A recent article published by Gallup Polls News Service (February 13, 2009) reported American spending is down 40% for the same two week period a year ago at stores, gas stations, restaurants and online purchases. Low to middle level income households said they cut back a lot on their spending versus those from households that have a higher income ($75,000 +/yr).

In our next article, we will look at What’s On The Menu.