Easter Dining Facts

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.

"In these challenging times, restaurants serve not only as places to get a great meal but also as social oases," said Steven C. Anderson, the Association's president and chief executive officer. "There is no better way to spend quality time with friends and family on a day like Easter Sunday than to visit your favorite restaurant and take the stress out of planning a holiday get-together."

A chart of the percentage of adults who dine out on Easter Sunday may be viewed by clicking here