US Foods 2024 Diner Dispatch Survey Reveals Unexpected Changes in Diner Preferences

US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE: USFD), a leading foodservice distributor in the U.S., has unveiled the findings of its 2024 Diner Dispatch survey, revealing the evolving landscape of America’s dining habits. This year-over-year survey highlights crucial trends, such as dine-in versus take-out preferences, spending behaviors, and the dining experience, offering restaurant operators valuable insights to cater to changing diner expectations.

“Now in its second year, the 2024 Diner Dispatch delivers deeper insights into the preferences shaping how diners approach their dining experience,” said Diane Hund, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at US Foods.

As consumer behavior continues to shift, the survey shows the in-restaurant experience remains a key factor in customer loyalty and profitability. Despite the lasting effects of inflation, diners are increasingly choosing to dine out rather than order takeout. Key survey highlights include:

  • Dine-in Dining Over Takeout: 55% of respondents prefer dining at restaurants over ordering takeout or delivery, up from 43% in 2023. The atmosphere and social opportunities provided by restaurants continue to drive this preference.
  • Rising Monthly Spend: The average monthly spending on dining out increased to $191 in 2024 from $166 in 2023. While inflation may play a role, this rise reflects a growing appetite for dining out.
  • Gender Shift in Spending: Women are now spending 33% more per month than men on dining out, compared to 19% less than men in 2023.
  • Casual Dining on the Rise: Casual dining remains the most popular choice, increasing to 69% in 2024 from 63% in 2023.
  • Longer Wait Times: Diners are now willing to wait up to 26 minutes without a reservation, compared to just 20 minutes in 2023.
  • Decline of QR Code Menus: 90% of diners now prefer paper menus over QR codes, up from 74% in 2023. Disinterest in QR codes spans all generations, with Baby Boomers and Gen Z showing particularly strong preferences for physical menus.

US Foods is committed to helping operators navigate these changes, with its newly launched US Foods MORE platform. The platform offers expert support to tackle challenges such as inflation and enhance the dining experience. Features of the MORE platform include:

  • MORE QUALITY: Products that deliver great flavor, performance, and minimize waste and labor.
  • MORE SUPPORT: Access to expert guidance on improving customer experiences, such as staff training tools and dining room layout suggestions.
  • MORE TOOLS: Resources like the US Foods Menu program for easy updates to printed menus and QR code linking.
  • MORE DELIVERIES: Greater flexibility and responsiveness in product deliveries.

To view the full results of the survey, visit US Foods Diner Dispatch 2024 Survey.

Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted in April 2024, with over 1,005 participants representing a diverse cross-section of the American population.

About US Foods
With a mission to help customers “Make It,” US Foods is one of America’s top foodservice distributors. Partnering with approximately 250,000 restaurants and foodservice operators, US Foods provides innovative food products and comprehensive business solutions. Headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, the company operates more than 70 broadline locations and nearly 90 cash-and-carry stores nationwide.

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