Eating out good for people, community, economy
Why do we love to eat out? In 2023, eating out is about more than just the food (and the delicious fact in these busy times someone else is both preparing it for you and doing the dishes).
For many people eating out and sharing food with family and good friends is almost a pastime; it’s fun, it’s social and – bonus – there are so many types of eateries on offer these days, there is literally somewhere to suit every taste and budget. Many eateries offer weekly specials or deals, which means you can try new venues or foods wihtout blowing the budget.
Here are just a few reasons why eating out is great:
A chance to try new foods.
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The perfect social setting.
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A way to explore an area.
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A new cultural experience.
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Creates memories.
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Time out from stress.
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Inspiration for home cooking.
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Good for the family
Many kids don’t like trying new
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foods so even if they won’t order something different, they may try yours, teaching them to keep an open mind.
Life is busy and with everyone
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on different schedules it can be hard to carve out a time together to strengthen the family unit. Eating out can slow things down for everyone, with no devices to pull them away from the table. It can also start a family tradition, whether a weekly trip for pizza, or a birthday dinner at a restaurant. To make everyone feel part of it, perhaps give everyone a turn choosing the eatery (from an ‘approved’ list if you think they will only choose fast food).
For kids with self-control or
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social issues, eating out can be good practice for building manners and social skills; anything from interacting respectfully with wait staff, to waiting patiently for the food. ‘‘Modern’’ manners can also be addressed, particularly the use of technology while eating out. Some parents ban it, others set rules, such as not using devices while staff are taking your order.
Meals at restaurants usually last
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longer than meals at home, so conversations last longer as well. This gives your child a chance to work on their conversation skills. Encourage everyone to talk about their day, taking turns to share something fun or interesting.
Nutritionally, just like eating at
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home, it comes down to the choices you make as parents. Encourage them to step outside the ‘kids’ menu, which is often all deep fried, and try something new. Discussing healthy choices and the benefits of proper nutrition prepares your kids for the future, but there is also nothing wrong with occasional ‘‘treat food’’.
Good for the economy
Restaurants pump a lot of cash into the local economy, from paying rent and staff, to paying food producers, as more eateries take advantage of local suppliers to create ‘‘farm-to-table’’ menus.
Restaurant trends
While inflation is an issue, postCovid customer demand continues to grow for social interaction and connection. Internationally, these trends capture the momentum.
People are gathering for the
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whole experience, not just a meal.
Inventive menus, eccentric or
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themed decoration, theatrics, unique locations, and activities are attracting diners.
As inflation pushes up food bills,
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the shrinking value gap between eating at home and eating out makes dining out more attractive.
Grain and grain products are
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menu all-stars as both comfort foods (pasta, french toast) and in modern ‘‘bowls’’ and wraps.
Gluten-free diners benefit from
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options like millet and teff.
Pickling and fermentation has
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exploded for both food and drink.
Consumers are willing to pay
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more for venues with visible sustainability practices.
More consumers are ordering
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plant-based over animal-based protein.