Older demographics 'plan to continue dining out more' after Eat Out to Help Out scheme

Older demographics plan to eat out more than their younger counterparts after the Eat Out to Help Out scheme ends at the end of August, data has suggested.

A survey carried out by guest experience management company HGEM, showed that 73% of people in the 56-65 age group and 81% in the 66-plus age group are intending to eat out "as much as now, or more" from September onwards.

In contrast, it appears that Gen-Z (18-25 year-olds) are most swayed by discounted meals, with half of the respondents intending to eat out less after the scheme ends. Similarly, 55% of consumers aged 26-55 said they intended to eat out as much as now, or more, after the scheme ends.

HGEM managing director Steven Pike said that the age profiles may signal to marketers where the greatest opportunities lie for conversion.

"The results of the survey hopefully alleviate some of the worries many hospitality operators have. There will be a decline in footfall in the upcoming months, no doubt, but we can also see that EOTHO has had a positive and lasting effect on consumer confidence, and it's unlikely that visits will drop to pre-EOTHO levels."

Overall, 59% of consumers said they planned to dine out as much as they are now, or more, in the upcoming months. The views did not differ significantly between men and women.