A Sit-Down Meal Is Not On The Agenda Among Most Of Canada’s Diners

Spending at Canada’s foodservice establishments rose two percent in the year ending in May 2013, but only because of an increase in the average check, not an increase in traffic, according to The NPD Group. Overall, Canadians who buy meals at quick service restaurants – 56 percent of foodservice traffic in the country – are basically looking for a speedy meal, not a sit-down dining experience. In fact, off premise dining – carry-out, drive-thru, and delivery – dominates Canadian foodservice visit choices. NPD advises restaurants to offer interesting menu items “and an overarching in-house experience” to reverse the trend and encourage on-premise eating. A successful experience would convince diners that “it is worth the time to sit down for a meal”.