Dine-in represents more than two thirds of reopening sales in restaurants
In total, 67.7% of restaurant purchases were made in restaurants in the 12 weeks to 11 July, compared to 18.7% ordered for delivery and 9.6% ordered for collection.
The report highlights some of the key differences between branded and independent restaurants, with a greater proportion of consumers choosing to eat-in in independent restaurants (58.5% vs 46.5%), which helped to drive a greater average spend (£20.60 vs £18.00).
Dinner occasions are the still the most important for both branded and independent restaurants, accounting for nearly two thirds of total visits for each.
Alcoholic drinks are more likely to be purchased in independent restaurants than branded restaurants, with 42.2% of drinks purchased in independent restaurants being alcoholic, compared to just 15.6% in branded restaurants. However, in both independent and branded outlets soft drinks was the top choice of beverage.
Furthermore, independents outperform branded restaurants for all satisfaction ratings.
Independent restaurants achieve scores of 78% for freshness, food quality and taste, and outperform the market average for all ratings. Branded restaurants underperform compared to the market average on numerous counts including atmosphere, drink quality and friendly service.
Pizza Hut remains the most visited brand with 12% of branded restaurant occasions served by group, driven by its established delivery offering. By share, Nando’s and Wagamama are the next most visited brands.
“Delivery has provided a significant lifeline to restaurants over the past 18 months, however with restrictions easing, operators will be glad to see consumers returning to dine-in occasions," says Katherine Prowse, senior insight manager at Lumina Intelligence.
"Over the 12 week period, independent restaurants have led the way in terms of spend and consumer satisfaction, as well as driving a higher proportion of dine-in footfall.
"In particular, independents achieved strong satisfaction scores for freshness and food quality and taste. Operators can capitalise on this opportunity by highlighting local suppliers on menus and on social media.”
To find out more about Lumina Intelligence’s UK Restaurant Market Report 2020/21, click here.
