How Canadians Save Money When Ordering From A Table-Service Restaurant

According to Restaurants Canada’s latest Quarterly Forecast, the impact of an economic slowdown and higher prices are expected to slow table-service restaurant sales over the remainder of 2023 and into the first half of 2024.  Indeed, seven in 10 Canadians said they are not dining out as much at a table-service restaurant as they are finding it too expensive.  As a result, Restaurants Canada worked with Angus Reid to find out what Canadians are doing to save money when choosing a table-service restaurant.

Overall, the survey found that consumers are primarily focused on selecting lower-cost items on the menu (39%), looking for specials (37%) and choosing less expensive table-service restaurants (36%).  They are also ordering less expensive alcohol/or cutting back on alcohol (28%) and no longer ordering desserts (25%). 

Somewhat surprisingly, one-quarter of Canadians said they are not making any changes to save money when visiting a table-service restaurant.

Canadians in the 18–24 age category are more likely than any other cohort to no longer order a dessert (39%). Additionally, they are more likely to split the bill with friends and family (32%) and order shareable dishes (23%).

For more information about the latest foodservice trends, the 2023 Foodservice Facts will be available to Restaurants Canada members in early October.

As the Chief Economist and Vice President of Research for Restaurants Canada, Chris Elliott manages and produces a comprehensive research program that has made Restaurants Canada a leading source of information for and about Canada’s $114-billion foodservice industry. Chris tracks and analyzes key industry and economic indicators and translates them into member reports and publications. He also provides research to support Restaurants Canada’s lobbying efforts on issues that affect foodservice operators – from payroll taxes to food costs.

Chris has worked with Restaurants Canada for over 20 years, has a Bachelor of Arts and Master Degree in Economics and specializes in economic modelling and forecasting.