People eating out more at supper

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Updated: June 28, 2011 8:01AM

Consumers are starting to venture out to restaurants more often to eat supper, especially at quick-service eateries, a survey released Monday shows.

The 2 percent rise in the first three months of the year follows similar increases in the last two quarters of 2010 and represents a turnaround from the traffic declines of the recession, said research firm NPD Group. The increases include families with children starting to eat out again on weekends, the research shows.

Bonnie Riggs, NPD restaurant industry analyst, said she believes the increased suppers out reflect consumers releasing pent-up demand, some easing in unemployment and a closing gap between the prices of groceries and restaurant meals.

Sandra Guy