Foodservice Trends Identified

Zagat Survey released the results of its 2007 America's Top Restaurants Survey, which takes a look at 1,389 establishments in 42 cities, and is based on 21 million meals eaten by more than 123,000 surveyors. It finds that restaurant openings outpace closings, and the past year's 2.8% average increase in meal cost falls below the 4% growth of the Consumer Price Index. The survey identifies national dining trends, including: a growing taste for Asian foods, especially Japanese; an increase in culinary diversity; and more interest in sustainably raised food. In addition, it supplies information about meal costs, tipping, favorite cuisines, dining frequency and more.

The survey found that nearly 83% of respondents are eating out as often or more often than they were two years ago. The vast majority (67% ) say they are spending more per meal, while only 4% are spending less.

As far as specific cuisines, Italian remains No.1, with 27% of those polled calling it their favorite. American food comes in second with 16%, and French follows with 12%. Individual Asian cuisines score below 10% each, but when added together, Japanese, Chinese and Thai get 25% of the vote.

Restaurant-goers also show increasing interest in sustainable foods. Diners on the West Coastspecifically, Portland (80%), San Francisco (74%) and Seattle (72%)will pay more for foods derived from sustainable practices. However, interest in the rest of the country is not as high, with 58% in New York and 55% in St. Louis believing it worth an upcharge.

One up-and-coming trend identified is having dual-purpose dining under the same roof: One space is formal with higher prices, and the other provides a casual, lower-priced menu.

As part of an ongoing revolution in American dining, this marks yet another year where restaurant quality, diversity and value have improved across America, says Tim Zagat, CEO, Zagat Survey. No matter how you slice it, it's a good time to go out to eat.