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May 29, 2008

The rise of take out

Here's one way to gauge people's habits lately when it comes to paying higher food prices. It’s the rise of take out, according to a survey about eating patterns in America.

Take-out dining is cheaper than dining inside a restaurant, because you’re likely not ordering a beverage. And you’re probably not tipping a server.

Check out this Q&A with Harry Balzer, a vice president at market research firm NDP Group, and author of its annual report on Eating Patterns in America, about this subject and other food spending issues.

So, have you been ordering food to-go more often lately, rather than dining out?

Comments

# 1

[May 29, 2008 12:31 PM]

Other John

We have tried the take-out services available at some restaurants like Applebees and O'Charleys, but were not impressed with the condition of the food by the time we got it home and served it up. It loses too much freshness on the ride home, and it's also hard to determine if the food sat waiting before it's brought out. So we didn't bother doing it again after 2 pretty miserable experiences. We are eating out less though and cooking at home a lot more often because it's usually cheaper for most of our meals.

# 2

[May 29, 2008 2:42 PM]

Greg

We do take out from O'Charleys all the time. So much in fact they know me by name when I come to pick up my order. The food is always great and the service is good.

Cost really isn't as much a factor for us as convenience. It's nice to have a good meal and not have to cook but also not have to sit in a public atmosphere with a large crowd.

One thing to remember when you call in an order is they assume you will be coming to pick it up when they say it will be ready. O'Charleys does not leave food sitting around for a long time before you come to pick it up. When you call it in and they say 20 minutes they assume you are going to be there in 20 minutes. So if you get there in 40 minutes guess what, your food has been waiting for 20 minutes and it's your fault.

Another thing to remember is the type of food you are ordering. Don't order a huge steak if you live across town. By the time you get home the food will not be great. It's no different than fast food. If you lived in Southwest Roanoke you wouldn't go to Burger King in Hollins and then take the food home and expect it to be great.

Cracker Barrel also does a good job with take out.

# 3

[May 30, 2008 8:46 AM]

Michelle

My office orders Quiznos a lot because it's takeout and they deliver with only an $8 minimum in Salem. And I love Subway's deal now with the $5 Footlongs, I have definitely been picking that up a lot lately.

# 4

[May 30, 2008 10:17 AM]

Amy Hanek : →http://www.eatingaroundvirginia.blogspot.com

With gas prices rising, thus pumping up the cost of most household staples, the American family must work harder and longer hours with less freedom in their budget.

This really adds up to take-out food (especially lower-priced food) as a more regular dinner option. A logical conclusion, I think.

# 5

[May 30, 2008 11:10 AM]

Jenny

Greg, It sounds like you've figured out a good strategy for keeping your take-out food warm and in good shape! Michelle, the $8 mininum for delivery also is a nice take-out option. It seems that take-out/delivery is popular for offices, keeping people from having to actually leave the office for lunch.

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