Full-service restaurants are experiencing deeper reductions in visit frequency than other dining segments, according to a Q1 2026 consumer report from Revenue Management Solutions.
The study, based on a survey of 841 U.S. consumers conducted in early February, explores shifts in dining behavior, ordering channels, and spending patterns across restaurant categories.
Nearly half of full-service diners report cutting visits over the past month, compared to about one-third of quick-service restaurant customers. Fast-casual concepts fall in between, with 41 percent of respondents reporting decreased visits and 11 percent increasing their frequency.
Quick-service restaurants continue to lead in overall stability, though the share of customers cutting visits rose 8 percentage points year-over-year.
Looking ahead, more than half of respondents across all restaurant types say they expect to maintain current habits. Full-service brands face a higher proportion of planned reductions than quick-service restaurants, which show the strongest forward outlook among the three segments.
Generational patterns play a significant role in these shifts.
Gen Z is the most active demographic. Roughly one-third report increased visits to quick-service restaurants and 26 percent plan to visit casual dining and coffee shops more frequently in the months ahead.
Millennials present a more divided picture. Thirty-six percent report decreased quick-service visits and 26 percent increasing them. At the same time, millennials account for the largest share of spending growth. Thirty-five percent indicate higher restaurant spending compared to last year.
Older consumers report more pullback, as more than 40 percent of Gen X and baby boomer respondents say they are spending less on restaurants.
Additionally, competition from grocery stores continues to intensify. More than one-quarter of respondents report purchasing meals from grocery stores more frequently, compared to 14 percent who say they are doing so less often. Millennials again lead this shift. Forty-one percent are increasing grocery meal purchases, followed by Gen Z at 39 percent. Gen X and baby boomers trail at 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Convenience stores show less impact, as 37 percent of respondents report fewer visits in that category.
Changes in ordering channels add another layer. Drive-thru usage has reached parity with dine-in as the most common weekly dining behavior, with about three-quarters of respondents reporting at least one visit per week in each channel. Takeout follows closely behind, and delivery ranks lower in frequency. Younger consumers account for the highest levels of drive-thru usage; 85 percent of Gen Z and 83 percent of millennials report at least weekly visits, compared to 79 percent of Gen X.
Some data suggests a shift away from delivery toward dine-in occasions. Between 40 percent and 34 percent say they plan to decrease delivery usage, whereas 16 percent expect to dine in more frequently. Gen Z leads in this area as well. Twenty-nine percent plan to increase dine-in visits, followed by 18 percent of millennials, 12 percent of Gen X, and 11 percent of baby boomers.
Consumer perception of pricing continues to influence behavior. In Q1 2026, 72 percent of respondents say restaurant prices are higher than a month ago, compared to 68 percent who say the same about grocery prices. This marks a change from prior quarters, when grocery prices were more commonly perceived as rising faster. Government data cited in the report shows that restaurant prices have increased about 3.9 percent year-over-year, versus 2.4 percent for grocery prices.
Spending patterns remain mixed. Thirty-eight percent of respondents report spending less on restaurants, 34 percent say their spending has stayed about the same, and 28 percent report spending more. Among those increasing spending, most cite higher menu prices rather than more frequent visits. Many report paying more for the same meals, beverages, or overall experience. Those lowering spending tend to cut back on frequency first, with nearly half reporting fewer items per visit or choosing lower-priced options.
