Study Says Americans Expect Restaurants To Cut Portion Sizes But Charge The Same Price

Rising food costs have three-fourths (74%) of Americans expecting restaurants to cut portion sizes while charging customers the same price in an effort to reduce costs. 66% of respondents think restaurants will switch to cheaper ingredients without notifying customers. And 56% of restaurant goers said they would be more willing to pay a little more if restaurants clearly explain why prices are rising. All according to a new study commissioned by restaurant management software company, MarketMan, and conducted by Censuswide.

Other key findings from the online survey of 1,500 U.S. consumers include:

• 74% of consumers say they are likely to dine at restaurants less frequently if menu prices go up
• 75% say rising prices will mean they are inclined to stick with restaurants they are familiar with rather than risk trying somewhere new
• 61% of consumers are more likely to accept higher prices from small, local independent or family-run eateries than major chain restaurants.
• 20% admit they would be more tempted to swipe things from expensive restaurants if menu prices rise (including table decorations, glasses, cutlery, candleholders, or fancy soap from the washrooms).

The online survey was conducted in March 2022.

You can download the full report here.