Members of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) are preparing for a busy holiday season. New research from the National Restaurant Association (NRA) found that 33 million Americans will rely on restaurants for all or parts of their Thanksgiving meals this year. In addition, 46 million Americans are expected to dine out while shopping on Thanksgiving Day or Black Friday.
“We are thankful Florida is home to more than 47,000 licensed food service establishments that offer exceptional dining experiences, not only during the holidays, but each and every day,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “This research shows that families here in the Sunshine State will have the opportunity to spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen while they are gathered together to celebrate. Additionally, eating locally helps provide an extra boost to Florida’s economy and our members look forward to serving patrons across the state.”
The NRA’s consumer survey found that 15 million Americans plan to visit a restaurant for a Thanksgiving meal this year, an additional 14 million plan to order parts of their Thanksgiving meal from a restaurant to be eaten at their home or someone else’s home, and 4 million plan to order a full takeout Thanksgiving meal from a restaurant.
The national survey also asked consumers whether they plan to visit a restaurant while shopping on Thanksgiving or Black Friday. Of the respondents who said they plan to go out shopping on Thanksgiving Day or evening this year, 39 percent said they expect that they will visit a restaurant while doing so. Of the respondents who said they plan to go out shopping on Black Friday, 60 percent said they expect that they will visit a restaurant. Overall, 46 million shoppers are expected to dine out on November 28 and 29 this year.
The survey of 1,004 American adults was conducted on November 14-17, 2013, by ORC International on behalf of the National Restaurant Association, and asked respondents about their dining plans for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Projections for the number of Americans who will visit restaurants or order takeout are based on economic analysis and original NRA research.