Factors Affecting Expenditures for Food Away From Home in Commercial Establishments By Type of Eating Place and Meal Occasion

Abstract

This study analyzed the relationships among sociodemographic and economic characteristics of households and food spending in restaurants. Spending was analyzed separately by type of eating place and by meal occasion. Meal occasions are defined as breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, and types of eating places are defined as fast food, family type, atmosphere, cafeteria, coffee shops, and take-out from restaurants. Data came from national surveys of about 12, 000 households for the four quarters of 1989, with a focus on summer 1989.Data were analyzed using regression analysis to relate such data as income, race, labor force participation of spouse, number of children, and location of residence by market and census region to foodservice spending, including tip. Purchase data included day of week, meal occasion, meal components purchased, type of foodservice establishment, means of payment, use of "deals" (coupon, restaurant special, or senior citizen discount), party size, household composition, and time required for travel.