Restaurateurs can help to prepare for a successful future of their industry by investing in restaurant furniture and other upgrades for their dining environment that cater for young individuals, couples and families.
Restaurant Industry Demographics
A report from foodservice analyst Horizons notes the different degree of willingness to dine out among different age groups.
For instance, the 'squeezed middle' of people aged 45-54 are facing pressure in the current economic climate, with their spend per head down from £13.86 to £13.65 over the past year.
Just 39% of this age group had eaten out at all during the two weeks before the survey, making them the demographic group with the lowest penetration.
Younger Age Group Most Likely to Eat Out
In contrast, younger diners are the most likely age group to dine out; 75% of those aged 18-24 and 76% aged 25-34 had eaten out in the previous two weeks, compared with an overall average of 67% across all age groups.
Nicola Knight, director of services at Horizons, says: "Outlets still need to work hard to attract diners and be mindful of catering for the demands of their target audience.
"The 18 to 24-year-olds are the higher-spending diners of the future, so it is good they have an established eating-out habit which is likely to continue as they get older."
Restaurateurs face the challenge of catering - in every sense - for these age groups who are not only the most lucrative customers at present, but also represent the longest-term revenue potential.
Decorate Your Restaurant to Attract Young Diners
One way to do this is through installing the right restaurant furniture not only for this age group, but also for their evolving dining habits.
Horizons found an increase in snacking - dining outside of normal mealtimes - which was up to 10% from 7% last year, while the main reason for dining out, at 27%, was to meet friends.
Relaxed, flexible dining spaces that can accommodate different sized groups of friends, without them feeling cramped or facing empty chairs, could help to keep pace with these trends.
And with 29% of people saying they choose where to eat mainly based on habit, attracting customers while they are still relatively young could secure their custom for many years ahead.