Dining With Cupid

(Washington, DC) Romance and dining out go hand in hand, meaning Cupid's arrows will bring about a significant amount of restaurant activity as couples across America celebrate February 14. According to National Restaurant Association research, Valentine's Day is the third most popular occasion or holiday to dine out. The most popular occasion for dining out is birthdays; Mother's Day ranks second. Almost one-third of Americans (32 percent) eat out on Valentine's Day.

"Enjoying an excellent meal out on the town is a wonderful way to enhance the romance of February 14," said National Restaurant Association President and Chief Executive Officer Steven C. Anderson.

According to the survey, Holiday Dining—2000, younger Americans (ages 18-34) are most likely to dine out on Valentine's Day (44 percent). Dining out on this holiday is also more common among those who have a college education (37 percent).

Survey respondents living in the South (38 percent) and those people living in a metropolitan area (34 percent) were also more likely to dine out on Valentine's Day. The holiday dining survey was conducted in 2000 by ORC International for the National Restaurant Association.