11 Restaurant Consumer Spending Trends to Know in 2026

Consumer spending is a big factor in how restaurants run. Inflation has changed how people spend their money. Many people are thinking more before they spend. They’re prioritizing what they really need and cutting back on things they don't. This way of thinking has impacted restaurants.

As a restaurant owner, knowing consumer food spending trends keeps your profits up. Changing habits impact how businesses use: 

• Pricing

• Menu design

• Marketing 

• Loyalty program design

• Guest engagement

The National Restaurant Association says that 47% of restaurants plan to add new:

• Discounts 

• Deals 

• Promotions 

This article explains the important restaurant trends for 2025 and provides tips to help your business.

Consumer Spending Trends in 2025 

Inflation, wage growth, and employment rates will continue to impact consumers' spending in 2025. The restaurant industry is expected to grow. In fact, the industry should reach $1.5 trillion in sales and employ 15.9 million people in 2025. 

Consumers still plan to spend money at their local restaurants, and operators will continue to create more jobs. But to stay competitive, you must know how consumer behavior is changing across the U.S. 

2 Consumer Spending Trends in the United States 

Data from the Census Bureau shows population trends that affect local dining choices and spending power. Many people want affordability and value and choose cheaper menu options and happy hour deals.

Here are two spending trends: 

1. Price is shaping dining decisions

As inflation rises, many people are spending less. They’re looking for value, including:

• Cheaper menu options 

• Loyalty rewards

• Happy hour specials

The focus is on getting more for less. 

2. The economy influences choices

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that wages and job levels change how people spend. Changes in the job market also change how much consumers spend on dining. While low unemployment supports higher spending, high inflation is keeping consumers cautious.  

3 Current Consumer Spending Trends in Restaurants 

The restaurant industry continues to change to match what diners want. Here are three current trends: 

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

 Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) remain strong due to their lower prices and faster service. They also have lower labor costs, which helps them keep prices competitive.  

Full-service restaurants (FSRs) face higher labor costs and more operations. While customers still enjoy the experience, they may reserve it for special occasions. 

2. Off-premise dining keeps growing

Delivery apps and takeout services continue to dominate. Many people want the flexibility of takeout options over dine-in. That's especially when it comes with digital discounts or loyalty program benefits.  

3. Generational and lifestyle habits affect timing and spending

Gen Z and Millennials often prefer convenience and experience. Gen X and Boomers like consistency and price. Flexible work schedules change when people eat out. That means weekday lunch traffic may be lighter, but evenings and weekends remain steady.

How Consumer Spending Affects Restaurants 

The economy changes consumer spending. Data like personal consumption expenditures show how households adjust their restaurant budgets and preferences. 

As consumer sentiment and confidence change, businesses' choices reflect these shifts. They must figure out how much people are willing to pay to eat out. 

Consumer 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 

• Groceries

When people have more disposable personal income, they’re more likely to dine out at more expensive places. 

But in times of rising costs, consumers cut back on dining out or choose cheaper options. Labor statistics also provide context for these shifts. Restaurants can use that data to see when people are likely to slow down or increase their spending. 

Casual dining also benefits from higher discretionary spending. That's because people are more willing to enjoy occasional meals out. Meanwhile, quick-service restaurants (QSRs) maintain steady customer traffic because they are cheaper.

Where Are People Spending? 

While inflation and the economy impact household budgets, many people are still:  

• Dining out

• Traveling

• Wanting entertainment

But the way and the amount they spend have changed.

McKinsey and Deloitte data show how spending has changed in 2025. People want more value-based purchases and experiences. Dining out continues to represent the highest share of discretionary spending for most people. 

Check out the table below: 

3 Restaurant Spending Trends to Watch in 2025 

Spending trends in the restaurant industry are shifting, with several positives soon arriving. These changes create new opportunities for businesses in 2025. 

1. More Demand for Sustainable Dining

People are seeking dining options that focus on sustainability. Customers want: 

• Locally sourced

• Organic 

• Plant-based  

Eco-friendly packaging and carbon footprints are also becoming important.  For more information, review our 2025 Loyalty Report to learn about sustainability trends. 

2. The Shift Toward Value Dining

Rising prices cause customers to focus on value over volume. People with higher personal savings tend to choose restaurants for special occasions or for value promotions. They want smaller portions made with quality ingredients. That means restaurants are offering more:

• Flexible costs 

• Loyalty platforms

• Well-priced promotions

3. More Subscription Dining Programs

Meal subscription services and restaurant membership programs are popular. These offer consistent revenue and help keep customers with benefits and deals for subscribers. 

Panera Bread offers the Unlimited Sip Club, a monthly program that includes unlimited hot and iced beverages plus a $0 delivery fee. These programs are an important driver of loyalty.

Technology’s Role in Consumer Spending 

Each generation interacts with tech differently. This is true with online ordering and loyalty apps. Restaurants must build strategies that reflect these habits. Understanding digital preferences can help improve your customer experience and decide where they want to dine.

3 Mobile and Contactless Payment Trends 

Mobile and contactless payments are a must for improving the customer experience. They offer a quicker 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 meals are paid for. Gen Z is driving this shift with their preference for contactless transactions. This trend is also about the speed of payment, which helps the dining experience. 

2. Security 

As mobile payments become the norm, restaurants must make sure they are secure. Customers are worried about the risks of online fraud. By using security measures, customers can trust eateries.

3. Quicker Payment Processes 

People want faster methods. Restaurants are now integrating mobile payment systems that allow customers to pay from their phones. This lowers wait times and boosts happiness. 

AI-Powered Personalization 

Many companies are using AI tools to better understand customers and make smarter marketing decisions. With data, you can track:

• Spending

• Number of visits 

• Order patterns  

Instead of static rewards, AI can help restaurants offer personalized deals that increase return visits.

What to do About Consumer Spending Trends in 2025 

Your team must act on this data. In 2025, success will come from matching business operations with consumer behavior and using data and experience to guide decisions. 

Using Data for Pricing and Promotions 

Data helps restaurants adjust. By learning about sales trends, item performance, and transactions, owners can fine-tune food prices in real time. Peak pricing and slower-period discounts are more common, especially in busy locations. 

Improving the Guest Experience to Increase Spending 

Restaurants should invest in more than just food. Consider:  

• Table-side tech

• Efficient service  

• Better ambiance

Restaurants that do this see more consumer spending. Guests will like your brand more when you focus on:

• Playlists 

• Open kitchens

• Visible food prep  

The Takeaway: The more your restaurant makes personal connections, the more you gain from each discretionary dollar. 

FAQs About Consumer Spending 

Here are the most common questions restaurants are asking: 

Is consumer spending slowing down? 

According to recent reports, consumers are becoming more selective. While essentials remain steady, discretionary activities like dining out are impacted. 

What are people spending more on in 2025? 

Dining, travel, and entertainment remain top spends among half of the surveyed consumers in 2025. Experiences still hold value, especially when convenient or when they offer perks. 

What are people spending less on in 2025? 

People are spending less on luxury goods and services. For restaurants, this means fewer visits to full-service restaurants.  

What age group has the most to spend? 

Gen X and Boomers have more discretionary income. However, Gen Z and Millennials spend more frequently on convenience and mobile services. 

Will grocery prices ever go back down? 

They should stabilize. But they will unlikely return to pre-pandemic levels. People might continue to seek value, such as buying in bulk or choosing store brands. 

The Future of Consumer Spending in Restaurants 

As consumer behavior shifts in 2025, restaurants must be ready. Spending patterns are changing because of:

• The economy 

• Generational habits

• Tech

For restaurants, that means looking beyond pricing. They also need to invest in:

• The guest experience

• Digital innovation

• Sustainable practices 

 Check out our guide to discover why loyal customers continue to spend, even during challenging times. Are you ready to optimize your pricing, marketing, and loyalty program? Book a demo to explore Paytronix solutions.