Embracing The Takeout Trend: Thanksgiving Dining Reimagined

November 26, 2024

This Thanksgiving, the kitchen is taking a backseat as more Americans opt for the convenience of takeout.

If you’re planning to order your holiday meal instead of spending hours cooking, you’re not alone.

In fact, you’re part of a growing movement that’s redefining how we celebrate this cherished holiday.

A Shift in Dining Habits

According to Popmenu’s recent study, 37% of consumers intend to order their Thanksgiving dinner from restaurants this year, up from 32% in 2023.

This trend highlights a significant cultural shift towards convenience and quality, with many choosing to enjoy professionally prepared meals in the comfort of their homes.

“… only 5% planning to eat at restaurants …”

Meanwhile, dining out has seen a sharp decline, with only 5% planning to eat at restaurants compared to 17% last year.


The Economics of Ease

The average consumer anticipates spending around $170 on Thanksgiving dinner, whether they’re cooking or ordering out using a servcie like Door Dash, Fresh Direct and Instacart. Even better, you can get a rating on these and other places from Harlem to Harare on Yelp!

The reasons for this shift are clear:

  • 75% appreciate the ease of ordering in.
  • 32% find it comparable or cheaper than buying groceries.
  • 23% feel too exhausted to cook.
  • 22% prefer the taste and quality of restaurant-prepared dishes.

Turkey and Tradition: What’s on the Table

Despite the takeout trend, turkey remains the star of the Thanksgiving feast, with 87% of respondents planning to serve it.

Other popular choices include:

  • Stuffing: 68%
  • Mashed Potatoes: 60%
  • Mac ‘n Cheese: 42%
  • Ham: 39%

Interestingly, nearly one-third (31%) of consumers have even indulged in fast food on Thanksgiving at some point.

Tips for Ordering Your Feast

For those still finalizing their plans, Popmenu offers some savvy advice:

  • Explore Options: Check restaurant websites for full menus and promotional offers.
  • Order Directly: Avoid third-party fees by ordering straight from the restaurant.
  • Stay Updated: Use reservation platforms like OpenTable to find available dining options.
  • Ask a friend: Harlem World Magazine suggests insteading burrowing some sugar, asking a neighborh of a friend if they have any Thanksgiving Day Feast Tips.

Brendan Sweeney, CEO and co-founder of Popmenu, notes that this trend is reshaping how we approach Thanksgiving: “Ordering in or dining out for Thanksgiving is becoming a new tradition for consumers who just want to relax and enjoy a meal versus serving as the family chef for the day.”As we embrace this new culinary landscape, remember that enjoying a delicious meal without the stress of cooking is not just acceptable—it’s a celebration in itself.

Here, here. We think there’s something to that ole school approach of like the family in the lead photograph at the top of thestory that there something to the family gathering and dinging together – it’s been in our DNA since day one – to gather, eat together and commune.

Photo credit: HWM.

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