Takeout does not detract from dining room traffic, Technomic study shows

Takeout options are an increasingly important source of revenue for restaurant operators, with 57 percent of consumers' surveyed saying they purchase takeout once a week or more, according to a new study released by Technomic, a Chicago-based market research firm.

Sixty percent of consumers who recently purchased takeout said that if they had not done so they most likely would have made food at home—and not gone into the restaurant to dine.

Other related findings note that about 60 percent of consumers say that they are willing to pay more for takeout packaging made with sustainable materials.

About half of consumers surveyed agree that their takeout occasion could be "ruined" by any of several mishaps: leaking food or liquids (52 percent), deterioration of food taste or freshness (49 percent), food that doesn't stay hot or cold (46 percent) or missing condiments (46 percent).

Boxed meals, value meals and snacks stand out as leading take-out options for limited-service restaurants, while full-service restaurants are promoting family dining options.

The full study, Takeout and Off-Premise Dining Consumer Trend Report is available here.