Easter Dining Fact Sheet: Did you know...

— Sixteen percent of Americans dine out on Easter, according to the National Restaurant Association's Holiday Dining 2000 survey-up two percentage points from a similar survey conducted in 1996.

— Older individuals-65 and older-are more likely to dine out on Easter than any other age group surveyed (27 percent). Adults ages 18 to 24 are the second most likely to dine out during the Easter holiday (19 percent)-whereas adults ages 35 to 44 are the least likely (10 percent). Additionally, the survey found that men are slightly more likely than women to have an Easter meal at a restaurant.

— Easter is the sixth most popular holiday or occasion to dine out, after birthdays, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Father's Day and New Year's Eve.

— "As Americans are leading increasingly busy lives, dining out has become a staple of the American diet," said Steven C. Anderson, the Association's president and chief executive officer. "On days like Easter Sunday, we want to spend quality time with our families rather than to spend that time alone in the kitchen. Having brunch, or any other meal, at one of your local restaurants adds to the pleasure of the holiday."