Consumer behaviour in the food service industry: a review

Abstract

This article reviews the literature relating to consumer studies in foodservice, an under-represented area in terms of review papers. It is organised into four sections, discussing survey work, experimental studies, and investigations relating to economics and geography, and sociological and anthropological research. Many of these articles have been published outside the usual hospitality management journals. The review examines the scope of this research, identifying areas of commonality within it, as well as gaps and weaknesses in the body of knowledge on consumer behaviour in the food service industry.