New American Diner: Extra! Extra!

To tailor check-boosting suggestions of add-ons such as appetizers, sides and desserts to each table’s demographic makeup, turn to these enlightening findings from R&I’s New American Diner Study.

By Staff, The Editors -- Restaurants & Institutions, 3/15/2007

Servers clued in to the dining habits of their guests have a leg up when it comes to the art of upselling. To tailor check-boosting suggestions of add-ons such as appetizers, sides and desserts to each table’s demographic makeup, turn to these enlightening findings from R&I’s New American Diner Study.

Matures (ages 61 or older) are significantly more likely than other age groups to order side salads with their entrées.

Customers dining with children order appetizers much more often than those who are not. By race, Asian and black consumers are most apt to order appetizers, while by age, it’s Gen X (27 to 41) and Gen Y (ages 26 and younger) customers.

Asian and black diners outpace all other demographics when it comes to ordering dessert; Hispanics, whites and boomers (42 to 60) are least likely to finish meals with something sweet.

Ordering side dishes with entrées more often is a choice of male than female customers; overall, Asian diners are more likely than other demographic to add sides to their meals.