The majority of consumers do not plan on changing their dining out behaviors this year; on top of that, the entire restaurant industry is projected to grow, Chicago-based Mintel explains in its January report “Dining Out: A 2016 Look Ahead.” Although some consumers will reduce their spending while dining out, the projected growth is in line with the growth predicted by David Henkes, Chicago-based Technomic’s advisory group senior principal.
“We’re forecasting a similar year next year as this year, 4.5 to 5 percent growth on a dollar basis,” he says. “And you’re probably looking at 2 to 2.5 percent real growth this year and probably even going forward a little bit.”