Who’s really driving restaurant spending?
Different age groups also have different reasons to dine.
Older diners are consistently outspending younger groups when it comes to restaurant spend, with those ages 50 and up having an average eater cheque of more than $14, according to Circana.
Under 25s have the lowest cheque values, with those under 18 willing to spend around $10.95, $12.80 for ages 18 to 24, and $13.56 for those who are between the ages of 25 to 34. Those who are 35 to 49 have an average eater cheque of $13.44.
Amongst under-18s, 37% prefer to eat on-premise, with digital orders accounting for 20% of transactions. Afternoon snacking rose 4%, alongside a 3% uptick in combo or upsized meals, pointing to steady engagement but strong value sensitivity.
Consumers aged 18 to 24 skew towards carry-out, which accounts for 30% of orders, whilst digital usage continues to grow. Morning meals increased by 4%, and promotional influence remains significant, with 62% of visits driven by deals.
For those aged 25 to 34, carry-out remains the dominant channel at 29%, supported by a 17% rise in afternoon snacking. Digital orders are also gaining traction, whilst value menu uptake surged 37%, reinforcing price-led decision-making within this cohort.
Among 35 to 49-year-olds, 33% of occasions are driven by carry-out, with delivery showing strong growth (+48% PCYA). Afternoon snacking rose 17%, and deal-led visits continue to shape behaviour, accounting for 40% of occasions, alongside a 5% increase in deal usage year-on-year.
Consumers aged 50 to 64 show a clear preference for on-premise dining (46%), often in group settings (51%). Morning meals grew by 11%, with digital ordering also expanding, particularly via pickup (+8% PCYA), suggesting a blend of habitual dining and gradual digital adoption.
Those aged 65 and above are the most dine-in oriented, with 67% choosing to eat on-premise, frequently in groups (67%). Dinner occasions rose 4%, whilst digital usage continues to grow modestly. This segment responds best to familiar, reliable dine-in experiences, complemented by convenient takeaway and drive-thru options, with an emphasis on simple combos and well-timed value offerings.
Life stages and economic realities play a critical role in what diners want. Those under 18 have minimal personal income and high dependency, looking for mostly affordable and familiar food. The 18 to 24 cohort is often students or early workers and has the lowest income of the adult age group. Circana said their discretionary spending is often constrained, prompting most to look for food that fits their lifestyle and budget.
As income rises, those ages 25 to 34 want dining to feel like a rewarding experience but must still fit their schedule and budget. Circana’s report also showed that those ages 35 to 49 are often at their peak earning years, but managing family costs and time constraints, and need food to work for the whole household without adding stress
50 to 65-year-olds are selective, and would be happy to pay more for quality, comfort, and reliability, whilst those above 65 see dining as about enjoyment and connection.
