From Trend to Transformation: Off-Premises Dining Now Essential for Restaurant Consumers, Operators

The 2025 Off-Premises Restaurant Trends report indicates that takeout, drive-thru, and delivery services are playing a significant role in the growth, innovation, and customer loyalty in the restaurant industry. According to the report, nearly 75% of restaurant orders are now off-premises, showing a shift in consumer preferences towards convenience and availability of these services.

Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist at the National Restaurant Association, emphasized the importance of off-premises dining as a key revenue driver and an essential way to engage consumers. The report also revealed that Gen Z and millennials are driving the demand for off-premises dining, with a majority considering takeout essential to their lifestyle.

The data shows that consumer preferences vary by age and format, with mobile ordering becoming mainstream among adults, particularly millennials and Gen Z. Restaurants are adapting to these trends by offering delivery services, curbside pickup, and dedicated takeout areas to cater to the changing market demands.

Customers prioritize speed, ease of use, and rewarding experiences when ordering off-premises, with loyalty programs and value deals playing a significant role in their choices. The report also highlights opportunities for restaurants to improve packaging, offer real-time deals, introduce new formats like bundled meals and meal kits, and leverage new technologies such as AI-generated video assistants.

With off-premises dining becoming a critical pathway for restaurant operators to drive growth and stay competitive, the report underscores the importance of meeting evolving consumer expectations in the industry.