Post-lockdown restaurant trends in the US: the highlights

Just-released on-premise research from Nielsen CGA in the US has shown that social distancing measures don’t appear to be having a strong negative effect on consumers’ visits. We bring you the key findings.

The latest on-premise research from Nielsen CGA has focused specifically on consumer perception within states that have lifted ‘shelter-in-place restrictions’, and looks closely at some key cities within them: Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Houston and Dallas.

Below are some highlights from this, which is a 22-26 May survey of 1,300 consumers from these cities, considering their expectations, desires and plans as coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

According to Nielsen CGA, the social distancing measures that are being put into place don’t appear to be having a strong negative effect on consumers’ visits:

• 88% of consumers who visited the on-premise space during this recent timeframe stated they were satisfied with their overall experience.
  
• 34% of consumers have visited the on-premise space 3 times or more in the last two weeks.
  
• The top venue for consumers returning to the on-premise appears to be casual dining chains (40%), followed by independent restaurants (35%).
  
• The top occasions consumers have visited bars and restaurants for are to have drinks with food (42%) and for relaxed/quiet drinks (32%). This shows the current mood of occasions is generally more low-tempo.
  
• Returning to the on-premise for drinking is significantly more popular with younger consumers. 27% of 21-34s have returned for a drink, compared to 16% of 35-54s and just 6% of over 55+s.
  
• 33% of consumers from the major cities in Texas and Florida have gone out to eat in a bar/restaurant in the last two weeks. 16% have also been in the on-premise for a drinking occasion.
  
• Those who have not returned to the on-premise highlighted outdoor seating (41%) and social distancing measures (40%) as the most encouraging features for them to return.
  
• Of those who have not returned to the on-premise space to eat or drink, 45% say they need more time to feel comfortable visiting these places, 22% are self-isolating and 19% are worried about their financial concerns.
  

The most updated On Premise Impact Report by Nielsen CGA, along with other special reports issued over the past several weeks, can be found here: http://nielsencga.com/covid-19/