11 Restaurant Consumer Spending Trends to Know in 2025

Consumer spending is a big factor in how the restaurant industry operates, especially as we move through 2025. Inflation has shifted how people spend their money, with many consumers becoming more cautious about their discretionary spending. They’re prioritizing essentials and cutting back on non-essentials, which influences how much they’re willing to pay when dining out. 

As a restaurant owner, staying on top of consumer food spending trends is key to maintaining profitability. Evolving habits directly impact how businesses approach pricing, menu design, marketing, loyalty program design, and guest engagement.

According to the National Restaurant Association, 47% of operators plan to add new discounts, deals, or value promotions to drive guest traffic. This article breaks down the most important restaurant trends for 2025 and provides actionable tips to help your business respond to evolving consumer expectations. 

The State of Consumer Spending Trends in 2025 

Economic factors such as inflation, wage growth, and employment rates will continue to impact consumers' spending priorities in 2025. The restaurant industry is expected to grow with a mix of opportunity and cautious optimism. More specifically, the industry is projected to reach $1.5 trillion in sales and employ 15.9 million people in 2025, reflecting strong growth potential balanced by cautious optimism as operators navigate rising costs and labor challenges. 

Consumers still plan to spend money at their local restaurants, and operators are projected to keep contributing to the economy by creating more jobs. But to stay competitive, it's important to understand how consumer behavior is changing across the U.S. 

2 Consumer Spending Trends in the United States 

Data from the Census Bureau reflects shifting population trends that affect regional dining habits and spending power. Many consumers prioritize affordability and value, opting for budget-friendly menu options and seeking deals like happy hour specials. Here are two key spending trends: 

1. Price sensitivity is shaping dining decisions

As the inflation rate remains a factor, many consumers are becoming more intentional about discretionary spending as their purchasing power is impacted. They’re looking for value—whether that means affordable menu options, loyalty rewards, or happy hour specials. The focus is on getting more for less. 

2. Economic conditions continue to influence choices

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, wage growth and employment levels continue to shape consumer discretionary spending. Changes in the labor market, such as job availability and wage increases, also influence how much consumers are willing to spend on dining. While low unemployment supports higher discretionary spending, inflation continues to temper how consumers allocate their restaurant budgets. 

3 Current Consumer Spending Trends in Restaurants 

The restaurant industry continues to evolve as consumer preferences shift. Here are three current trends influencing spending: 

1. Quick-service vs. full-service spending is shifting

Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) hold strong due to their lower price points and faster service models. They also tend to operate with lower labor costs, which helps them keep prices competitive.  

Full-service restaurants (FSRs), on the other hand, face higher labor costs and more complex operations—so while customers still enjoy the experience, they may reserve it for special occasions or less frequent visits. 

2. Off-premise dining keeps growing

Delivery apps and takeout services continue to dominate. Many customers now prefer the flexibility of off-premise options over traditional dine-in experiences, especially when they come with digital discounts or loyalty program benefits.  

3. Generational and lifestyle habits affect timing and spending

Younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials often prioritize convenience and experience, while Gen X and Boomers may value consistency and price. At the same time, flexible work schedules change when people eat out; weekday lunch traffic may be lighter, but evenings and weekends remain steady.

How Consumer Discretionary Spending Affects Restaurants 

Economic situations, whether downturns or booms, play a significant role in shifting consumer spending patterns. Metrics like personal consumption expenditures provide insight into how households adjust their restaurant budgets and preferences. 

As consumer sentiment and confidence fluctuate, businesses' choices often reflect these shifts, showing how much people are willing to pay for eating out. 

Consumer Discretionary Spending and Dining Out 

Discretionary spending refers to the average amount of money left over after covering basic needs such as housing/mortgage, utilities, transportation, and groceries. When people have more disposable personal income, they’re more likely to afford dining out, opting for higher-end or more frequent restaurant visits. 

On the flip side, in times of economic uncertainty or rising costs, consumers tend to cut back on dining out, especially across discretionary categories, opting for more budget-friendly options like fast food or casual dining. Indicators such as labor statistics also provide context for these shifts, helping restaurants gauge when consumers will likely tighten or loosen spending. 

Casual dining also benefits from higher discretionary spending, as consumers are more willing to enjoy occasional meals out. Meanwhile, quick-service restaurants (QSRs) maintain steady customer traffic, as consumers continue to look for affordable, convenient options. 

Consumer Discretionary Spending Chart: Where Are People Spending? 

While inflation and shifting economic conditions continue to impact household budgets, many consumers still prioritize experiences like dining out, travel, and entertainment. However, the way they spend—and how much—has changed.  

Recent data by McKinsey and Deloitte highlights how consumer spending intentions have shifted in 2025, with households focusing more on value-based purchases and experiences. Food away from home continues to represent the highest percentage of discretionary spending for most consumers.

The table below also highlights how rising costs, value-based behaviors, and economic concerns shape indulgent and cost-conscious spending patterns.  

3 Key Restaurant Spending Trends to Watch in 2025 

Spending trends in the restaurant industry are shifting, with several positive transitions on the horizon. As consumer preferences evolve, these changes create new opportunities for businesses to adapt and thrive in 2025. 

1. Increased Demand for Sustainable and Ethical Dining

Consumers are increasingly seeking dining options that focus on sustainability. There's a growing preference for locally sourced, organic, and plant-based dishes. Eco-friendly packaging and awareness of carbon footprints are also becoming important.  For more information, review our 2025 Loyalty Report to learn about sustainability trends and the strategies restaurants and c-stores can use to become market leaders. 

2. The Shift Toward Value-Based Dining

As rising prices impact daily expenses, customers are prioritizing value over volume. Consumers with a higher personal savings rate tend to reserve restaurant visits for special occasions or value-based promotions. Additionally, they seek smaller portions made with higher-quality ingredients, and restaurants are responding with more flexible costs, loyalty platforms, and well-priced promotions.  

3. The Rise of Subscription-Based Dining Programs

Meal subscription services and restaurant membership programs are gaining traction. These models offer consistent revenue and improve customer retention, providing exclusive benefits and deals for subscribers. 

For example, Panera Bread offers the Unlimited Sip Club, a monthly or annual program that includes unlimited hot and iced beverages plus a $0 delivery fee. The predictability of these programs is an important driver of loyalty, as leisure spending is still considered a treat by some consumers.  

Technology’s Role in Consumer Spending Trends 

Each generation interacts with tech differently, from online ordering and loyalty apps to payment methods, so restaurants must build strategies that reflect these habits. Understanding these digital preferences can help improve your customer experience and influence where and how people choose to dine. 

3 Mobile and Contactless Payment Trends 

Mobile and contactless payments are becoming essential for improving the customer experience. They offer a quicker and more seamless way to complete transactions. 

1. Increase in Digital Wallets and Tap-to-Pay 

Mobile payment solutions, such as digital wallets and tap-to-pay technologies, transform how consumers pay for meals. Gen Z, in particular, is driving this shift with their preference for contactless transactions. This trend is not only about convenience but also the speed of payment, which enhances the overall dining experience. 

2. Security and Customer Trust 

As mobile payments become the norm, restaurants must focus on ensuring the security of these digital transactions. Customers are increasingly concerned about the risks of online fraud, making trust a critical component. By implementing robust security measures, eateries can reassure their customers and foster loyalty. 

3. Streamlined Payment Processes 

The demand for a seamless payment process is growing, with consumers seeking faster, hassle-free methods. Restaurants are responding by integrating mobile payment systems that allow customers to pay from their phones, either directly at the table or on an app, minimizing wait times and enhancing overall satisfaction. 

AI-Powered Personalization in Restaurant Marketing 

Many companies are using AI tools to better understand customer behavior and make smarter marketing decisions—and restaurants are no exception. Through predictive analytics, you can track spending habits, visit frequency, and order patterns to tailor promotions and offers in real time. Instead of static rewards, AI-driven systems adjust to how each customer spends—offering personalized deals that match their preferences and increase return visits. 

Adapting to Consumer Spending Trends in 2025 

Understanding consumer spending is only part of the picture: you and your team must act on that insight. In 2025, success will come from aligning business operations with consumer behavior, leveraging data and experience to guide decisions that boost revenue. 

Leveraging Data to Optimize Pricing and Promotions 

Data helps restaurants adjust in real time. By analyzing sales trends, item performance, and transaction patterns, operators can fine-tune food prices—not just seasonally but also by time of day or day of the week. Peak-hour pricing and slower-period discounts are becoming more common, especially in high-traffic locations. 

Improving the Guest Experience to Increase Discretionary Spending 

Restaurants that invest in more than just food—such as table-side tech, efficient service models, or intentional ambiance—see higher per-visit consumer spending. Experience-based features like curated playlists, open kitchens, or visible food prep can influence how guests perceive value. Even how orders are presented or delivered contributes to return visits.  

Key Takeaway: Ultimately, the more your restaurant taps into a personal connection and guest engagement, the more you gain from each discretionary dollar. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Consumer Spending Trends 

Understanding how consumer behavior is shifting in 2025 can help restaurants stay ahead. Here are some of the most common questions operators and industry professionals are asking: 

Is consumer spending slowing down? 

According to recent reports and Federal Reserve Bank insights, consumers are becoming more selective, often driven by rising prices and uncertainty about future economic conditions. While essentials remain steady, discretionary activities like dining out see more fluctuations. 

What are people spending more on in 2025? 

Food away from home, travel, and entertainment remain top discretionary priorities among half of the surveyed consumers in 2025. Experiences still hold value, particularly when bundled with convenience or exclusive perks. 

What are people spending less on in 2025? 

People are likely to spend less on non-essential luxury goods and services. In the restaurant industry, this means a shift away from more frequent visits to full-service restaurants, as consumers become more price-sensitive due to economic pressures.  

What age group currently has the most to spend? 

Older generations like Gen X and Boomers tend to have more discretionary income on average. However, Gen Z and Millennials spend more frequently, especially on convenience and mobile-first services. 

Will grocery prices ever go back down? 

While grocery store prices may stabilize over time, they will unlikely return to pre-pandemic levels due to factors like inflation, fuel prices, supply chain challenges, and rising labor costs. Consumers might continue to seek value-driven solutions, such as buying in bulk or choosing store brands. 

The Future of Consumer Spending in Restaurants 

As consumer behavior shifts in 2025, staying agile is essential for restaurants. Discretionary spending patterns are evolving—driven by economic situations, generational habits, and technology preferences. 

For restaurant owners and operators, that means looking beyond just pricing. Investing in the guest experience, digital innovation, and sustainable practices will not only meet current expectations but also help build long-term profitability in a competitive landscape. 

 Check out our guide to discover why loyal customers continue to spend, even during challenging economic times. Are you ready to optimize your pricing, marketing, and loyalty programs? Book a demo to explore Paytronix solutions and data-driven tools designed to enhance customer engagement.