Operations

Budget-conscious diners turn to QSRs as spending shifts

Photo: Shutterstock

October 1, 2026

Summarize with

A new Popmenu study found 67% of U.S. consumers are spending less at restaurants than they did last year, while 60% are dining out less frequently. Average restaurant spending stands at $100 per week, up from $90 in February but below the $115 reported in June 2025, according to the study, "What Restaurant Guests Want Right Now."

Rather than abandoning restaurants altogether, consumers are changing how and where they spend. Many reported choosing quick-service, fast-casual and casual restaurants more often. More than half are drinking water instead of purchasing beverages, 50% are choosing pickup over delivery, 48% are using coupons or rewards and 47% are opting for less-expensive restaurants.

Value is increasingly influencing restaurant choice. Sixty-two percent said they prefer restaurants offering affordable meals and special deals, while 58% said they would spend more if offered a discount. Loyalty could also help operators capture increasingly selective customers, with 46% more likely to choose restaurants with loyalty programs.

"Around 30% of monthly food budgets go to restaurants today, down from a high of 40% in 2022," Popmenu CEO Brendan Sweeney said in a press release. "Restaurants have pushed menu prices about as far as they can go. Consumers are looking for value and incentives to come back."

Technology also is becoming part of the value-and-convenience equation. 60% of consumers said they are comfortable with restaurants using AI to deliver faster or better service, while 27% now use AI tools such as ChatGPT to discover restaurants.