In 2019, food and drink sales in the United States were worth 773 billion U.S dollars. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit and sales declined. Before the pandemic, American households spent an average of $3,500 eating out at restaurants. By March 2020, no one was eating out due to lockdown restrictions and COVID regulations.
The restaurant industry, alongside virtually all other industries, experienced major changes. To stay afloat, restaurants made major modifications to their operations, including shifting to mostly takeout orders. While many Americans are fully back to eating indoors, and many restaurants are eager to offer a seat at their tables, many people have developed a deep appreciation for the takeout meal.
In this article, we’re taking a look at how the pandemic affected the American eat-out and dine-in culture, and how you can save money on your next restaurant delivery order in this new culinary landscape.
Expanded Takeout Menus
Restaurants had to get creative in order to manage a new style of working. Chef Tracy Chang explains how their model changed. She ran an online kitchen for her restaurant, PAGU. Consumers ordered online from the comfort of their homes and could either pick up or order a delivery service. She expanded her menu to include specials, making up to $20,000 a month, saving several jobs.
Just like Chef Chang, many restaurant owners reinvented themselves. Expanded takeout menus, kid meals, meal kits, specials and online markets have changed the restaurant playing field. As a result, the food delivery market thrived. And consumers were, and still are, eager to support their favorite restaurants through takeaway orders.