June 22, 2020

People are slowly becoming more comfortable with going back to traditional restaurants.

In early May 2020 we asked CLE what they were NOT comfortable doing in regard to dining:

There has been a slight decrease in those that are NOT comfortable, but at least 2 of 5 are still concerned about public dining options.

CLE anticipate their dining behaviors changing in a post-COVID world.  Almost 60% will dine less at a sit down restaurant than they did previously, while only 10% will dine out more.

CLE anticipate their restaurant behaviors will be substantially changed in a post-COVID world.

When asked to think about how their future,  CLE anticipate their dining behaviors changing in a post-COVID world.  The majority of CLE said they do not anticipate going back to the same frequency of eating at restaurants as in the past.

Over 50% will dine less at a sit-down restaurant than they did previously, while only 10% will dine out more.

Ordering and Carry-out will continue to fluctuate in a post-COVID world as CLE balance dine-in and carry-out/ordering

Not as many CLE will change their ordering and carry-out behaviors, however for those who do they are split on whether this will increase or decrease.

More CLE anticipate they will  decrease these activities than increase in the post-COVD world. Much of this decrease is expected to come from the group of people who are planning on going back to dine-in in a post-COVID world.

Behaviors in the Restaurant

In order to feel safe and comfortable dining out, CLE expect to be exposed to different restaurant staff behaviors and structure.

Protocols that MUST be in place for safety reveal a clean environment with a healthy staff.

CLE want to avoid items being used by multiple patrons such as silverware, condiments and menus.

Limiting the number of people at a table as well as spacing out tables and the waiting area are also important for comfort.

In order to feel safe and comfortable dining out, there are a few changes which won’t help restaurants.

Those protocols that CLE deem not as essential for safety are more related to convenience such as closing parts of the restaurant, controlling which guests are permitted and limited hours or menu offerings.

It appears that once the dining out decision is made, as long as patrons deem the establishment clean and virus-free, other safety protocols are not as necessary.

June 22, 2020

CLE have learned to love the eating at home experience.

Eating at home can be fun…

• Eating healthier, having more control over your diet.
• Trying new local restaurants through an app.
• Taking more time for family.
• Saving money.
• Trying new recipes- google or meal services.

“My husband and myself did take out (and we picked up) food from a number of local restaurants.  It was easy and even convenient.  We hadn’t done this before but will continue to do this once in a while even after COVID-19.”

“Continue cooking meals at home. I like this because I have control of what my family eats. I always try to make healthy meals and I like making sure everything is clean.”

“It is nice to do a variety of options.  I might continue to use one of the home delivery services that offer healthy meal options that are delivered to your door.”

“We discovered a pizza place close to our house and we are loving it for pick up. They have been there for many years and for us it is brand new. Also trying some new recipes and will continue fixing them, I think we had gotten into a rut.”

“I started cooking and now I cook all my meals. Restaurants are still mostly closed. I like cooking and eating out will be a rarer and more indulgent event for me.”

The social dynamic of restaurants cannot be recreated at home.

People miss the luxury of coming together and lingering over meals with friends and family.

“I miss the laughing and seeing people’s smile”

“Gathering at a table with family and/or friends and lingering over fun conversation and jokes while enjoying food that we normally would not make at home. It brings back fond memories.”

“I miss chatting with friends and family at a restaurant over a long dinner, even at fast food restaurants. I would go out again just to have a nice time out of the house with others. The meal itself wouldn’t matter as much as the whole experience.”

 “I miss the fellowship of eating with others.  I live alone so communal meals are important to me.  We can’t even have a potluck at church because sharing food cooked by others outside of a restaurant is still not allowed.”