Whether it’s going on a date, catching up with friends, or attending a business meeting, dining out is always a solid option. But in recent years, the way Americans approach it has shifted dramatically. A recent survey from Eater and Vox Media examined the dining habits of American diners and revealed just how significantly eating out has changed in light of recent events like the pandemic and high inflation rates.
In February 2025, Bastion Agency, the consumer insights and strategy consultancy that conducted the research, surveyed over 2,000 U.S. adults — including boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z — who dined out at least once in the past month. The most striking results were, understandably, between boomers and Gen Z: two generations with very different upbringings. While boomers are often characterized by their lack of technological savvy, Gen Z grew up alongside modern social media, including Instagram and TikTok.
How does Gen Z use social media when dining out?
The birth of influencers and the content creation industry has changed how people interact with the restaurant industry, particularly Gen Z. The study found that 77% of Gen Z adults discover restaurants through social media, and 72% of Gen Z participants trust these reviews.
Beyond social media posts, about 30% of Gen Z decides where to eat solely based on social media influence and reputation. Yelp is still a very trusted source among all generations, with 80% of all surveyed adults saying they use the site.
Why does Gen Z prefer dining out?
According to the survey, most boomers and Gen X (90% and 79%, respectively) said they tend to dine out for relaxation and socialization. Forty-eight percent of millennials search for new cuisines and recipes, while 34% of Gen Z focus on cultural exploration. Gen Z is seeking out a place to share on social media and is more likely to dine solo.
How do people feel about chain restaurants?The first time trying a well-known chain food is an exhilarating experience — just think about the first time you tried a Chili’s Triple Dipper or Texas Roadhouse’s iconic rolls. Frequently, locality and curiosity are the main factors that drive people to chain restaurants. Across the board, 84% of adults surveyed enjoy eating out at chains, and 29% of participants consider a franchise or chain as their favorite restaurant.
And, despite the shift toward online shopping and e-commerce platforms over brick-and-mortars, small businesses can still win the hearts of diners. According to the survey, 42% of adults named an independent restaurant as their favorite place to dine out, whether that be a well-known local favorite or a hidden gem in town.
How has inflation impacted dining out for Gen Z?
Generation aside, price is one of the most important factors across all ages, with 86% of adults surveyed claiming that their dining habits have changed since the rise of inflation. Thirty-three percent of diners said that they order a dish based on the price, even if they really want the steak and lobster.
Twenty-nine percent of adults surveyed plan dining out around their budget and financial means, with some diners waiting for restaurant deals or only going out for special occasions. Gen Z specifically tries to save a dime by sharing meals among each other, ordering from the kids’ menu, or solely sticking to appetizers over entrees.
Gen Z’s preference for new, unique, and affordable options signals that the industry needs to embrace flexibility and innovation to stay relevant in the world. Despite the economic conditions, Gen Z is unlikely to stop dining out; rather, they are finding creative ways to make it fit into their lifestyles, keeping their social life active and engaged.