How Canadians save money when ordering from a table-service restaurant

Seven in 10 Canadians said they are not dining out as much at a table-service restaurant as they are finding it too expensive, according to a survey by Restaurants Canada and Angus Reid.

The survey sought to find out what Canadians are doing to save money when choosing a table-service restaurant.

Overall, the survey found that consumers are primarily focused on selecting lower-cost items on the menu (39 per cent), looking for specials (37 per cent) and choosing less expensive table-service restaurants (36 per cent). They are also ordering less expensive alcohol/or cutting back on alcohol (28 per cent) and no longer ordering desserts (25 per cent).

Somewhat surprisingly, one-quarter of Canadians said they are not making any changes to save money when visiting a table-service restaurant.

Canadians in the 18–24 age category are more likely than any other cohort to no longer order a dessert (39 per cent). Additionally, they are more likely to split the bill with friends and family (32 per cent) and order shareable dishes (23 per cent).

According to Restaurants Canada’s latest Quarterly Forecast, the impact of an economic slowdown and higher prices are expected to slow table-service restaurant sales over the remainder of 2023 and into the first half of 2024.

For more information, the 2023 Foodservice Facts will be available to Restaurants Canada members in early October.