Aussies eat out cheaper | IR News

Aussies eat out cheaper

Posted Date: 02/07/2012

By Inside Retail

Australians spoil mum more than dad, experience their happiest dining in September and have some seriously well-fed politicians…

These are just some of the key findings of the Dimmi Australian Dining Index, revealing what’s really on Australians' minds (and in their stomachs) when it comes to enjoying a meal out.

The grim economic outlook and spate of fine dining restaurant closures has been reflected in a drop in dining out at the high end over the past year. Only 16 per cent of diners now spend more than $90 per head, compared with 20 per cent a year ago. However, the average spend is about $60 per person when dining out.

According to Dimmi Founder and CEO, Stevan Premutico, the results reflect a clear shift in the Australian dining scene.

“We’re definitely seeing a move away from fine dining towards value for money – around $50 seems to be the new threshold as diners seek out more casual options that offer great service and good food and wine at a reasonable price," said Premutico.

"Don't let the cult of the celebrity chef convince you that it's all about the food, because according to the index, while food and wine are still paramount, service and value for money are storming up the ranks when it comes the most important part of a great meal out, with 22 per cent and 23 per cent respectively."

Keywords: Restaurants, Dimmi

Comments:

Friday, July 06, 2012 by Iscariot

Couldn't agree more Emma! Just look @ the Surry Hills/Darlinghurst/KX/Potts Point dining scene to understand "where it's really at"

Tuesday, July 03, 2012 by Emma

Totally agree with these findings, but I think it has to do with fashion trends as much as it does austerity.

Fine dining was once something very aspirational and aligned to status (blame the yuppie 90s trend!). Today's younger diners don't see it that way. They want informal, cheaper, quirky joints, possibly in line with that overarching boho/hipster retail trend.

Unless you're a rich businessman, the "white tablecloth" restaurant doesn't fit that lifestyle: it's old fashioned and out of touch. In Sydney, quirky cheaper restaurants like Miss Chu's, Chat Thai, and the gourmet Mirvac Group pubs are names part of that new generation.

Tuesday, July 03, 2012 by Linda Grobler

Still a very high average spend per person when dining out. How does $21 a head sound? I thought Australia was in a tight economic grip . . . . .

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