Dine-in Spend Soars, While Takeout and Tips Stall

So how much are Canadians spending on dining out, takeout, and delivery? With menu prices continuing to rise, it’s no surprise that average check sizes have gone up. This year, diners reported spending $63 on average when dining out at a restaurant, up from $56 in 2023. As for tipping, 67% of Canadians say their tipping habits haven’t changed this year.

On the flip side, average spending on takeout and delivery has dropped by $1 to $38. And just like dining out, most consumers are tipping the same – 12% on average.

Want to dive deeper into the spending habits that are contributing to overall consumer trends in Canada?

42% of Canadians are Restaurant Loyalty Members

One of the top restaurant trends in Canada is that diners are clearly embracing loyalty programs as a way to stretch their budgets. Almost half (42%) of diners reported being members of a restaurant loyalty program, a significant jump from 29% the year prior. And it’s quick service restaurants leading the charge – 92% of loyalty members belong to quick service programs, up from 82% last year, reflecting the growing popularity of fast food dining.

Want to know how restaurant loyalty programs are shaping consumer behavior?

Traditional Service Is Overwhelmingly Preferred over Technology

Canadian diners are on the fence about technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in restaurants. Although 52% are comfortable with tech in restaurants, Canadians still overwhelmingly prefer traditional service over automated experiences. A strong 84% still prefer flipping through a physical menu and ordering directly from a server. It’s important for restaurant operators to strike a balance between traditional hospitality and the efficiency that technology and AI can provide.

Keep up with the latest Canadian dining trends and find out which innovations are worth the investment.