Why?

WHY?
38%	Percent of consumers who strongly agree that “restaurant experiences are better when shared with a lot of friends and/or family.” But every meal doesn’t have to be a party. A statistically equal segment—36.6%—of diners strongly agrees that they prefer “dining in small parties that provide a more intimate restaurant experience.”
22%	Percent of Americans who strongly agree with the statement, “I go to restaurants because I prefer the taste of the food versus what I have at home.”
16%	Percent of Americans who strongly agree with the statement, “When I eat out for dinner, I expect an ‘experience.’” Operators across foodservice segments are responding by ramping up customer interactivity and bringing more theater to dining rooms. Case in point: Dallas-based chain On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina’s Queso Live!, a tableside dip preparation that lets customers choose additions such as meat, jalapeños and pico de gallo.
27.9%	Percent of consumers who say they always, often or sometimes dine out at lunch for business purposes. Business dinners are much less common: 19.3% always, often or sometimes do so. Gen X consumers (ages 27 to 41) are most likely to be having dinner in a restaurant for business reasons.