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SALT LAKE CITY — Recent studies show Americans are eating out less than they did six months ago. But industry insiders say Utah seems to be bucking this trend.
The Rasmussen Reports telephone survey shows that 41 percent of adults say they're dining out less. However, a slight majority say they're dining out just as much as before, and 5 percent say they go to restaurants more often.
While a lot of people may be dining out less, overall the industry seems to be handling it well.
Utah Restaurant Association CEO Melva Sine said, "This is a nationwide figure, but the restaurant industry has added 29,400 in the last 30 days. For our industry, that is a phenomenal amount of growth at the same time that there is a recession and economic hard times."
How much are you eating out compared to 6 months ago?
| More often | Less often | About the same | Not sure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | 41% | 53% | 1% |
Here in Utah, analysts say the signs are good, for now. Sine says they're tracking steady growth in the Beehive State.
"Utah, traditionally, has been one of the top four states in the nation as far as growth in the restaurant industry," she said.
Sine says they're also noticing changes to the kinds of restaurants that are opening.
"In the last 10 years or so, we've seen major strides as far as chains are concerned. Now, we're starting to see kind of a resurgence of those individual entrepreneurs who are eager to get out in the marketplace," she said.
Related:
Utah Eats: Exploring the cuisine of Utah
Move over green Jell-O and funeral potatoes, there's a new menu out there. We've toured the state for some of the best restaurants, food trucks and carts out there.These "neighborhood restaurants," as she calls them, are created by people who have no real interest in creating a popular chain. Sine says they've done their research into what people in specific areas are looking for and build restaurants within walking distances of homes.
"You'd be talking [about] something like Eggs in the City, you'd be talking about Caffe Niche, and you'd be talking about Faustina."
Sine says overall population growth and a friendly business environment may be contributing to the positive trends in Utah.
