Americans, Planning on Dining out More, Turn to Savvy Money-Saving Strategies: Doggy Bags, Happy Hours and Value Meals Surge in Popularity

Core Insights - The article highlights that Americans are increasingly seeking value when dining out due to rising costs, with 81% dining out at least once a month and 39% doing so weekly [4][16] - Consumers are employing various money-saving strategies, such as using doggy bags (45%), opting for value meals (39%), and taking advantage of happy hour deals (36%) [4][16] - The survey indicates a significant resistance to QR code menus, with 89% preferring physical menus, particularly among older demographics [4][9][18] Consumer Behavior - A majority of diners (58%) feel pressured to tip, with 44% stating that inflation has impacted their tipping ability [4][17] - The trend of 'shrinkflation' is noted, with 69% of diners reporting higher meal prices and 39% observing smaller portion sizes [5][17] - Women (53%) and older Americans (53% aged 55+) are more likely to request doggy bags compared to men (38%) [6] Tipping Practices - The survey reveals that 73% of diners dislike auto-tipping prompts on digital screens, indicating a preference for more traditional tipping methods [7][17] - Despite inflation concerns, many diners remain generous, with 38% preferring to tip between 16-20% [17] Technology and Dining Experience - The article discusses the mixed reception of QR code menus, with 20% appreciating their hygiene benefits but a significant majority preferring physical menus [18][19] - The CEO of Lightspeed emphasizes the need for restaurants to integrate customer preferences with technology to enhance the dining experience [19] Survey Methodology - Lightspeed conducted a survey in May 2024, gathering over 7,500 responses globally, including 1,500 from the U.S. [5][11]