This is a print-friendly version of www.whitehutchinson.com/news/lenews/2004/08/article109.shtml

White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Kansas City, MO, USA

Families Grab Large Restaurant Market Share

The purchasing power of families with children often doesn't get the attention it deserves, because families with children are now a minority of all households at only 31%. However, in many expenditure categories, families with children far outspend other types of households. One of those areas is restaurant spending. Families with children account for 37% of all lunch and dinner restaurant expenditures. In the quick-service, buffet, take-out and delivery category only, they account for 43% of all lunch and dinner expenditures. That is a large market, over $28 billion in restaurant sales. It's no wonder so many restaurant chains are now recognizing the importance of the family-with-children market and are developing menus and programs to attract this important market segment. Years ago, some major players in the quick-service segment, such as McDonald's and Burger King, recognized the significance of this market to their success by making major investments in play facilities and creating kids' meals.

With the exception of Chuck E. Cheese's, Bullwinkle's Restaurant and Family Fun Centers and a few independent FECs, the LBE industry has been slow to comprehend the significant size of the family restaurant market and its potential in generating high repeat attendance by making LBEs restaurant destinations -- rather than just places to grab a snack.

© 1999 - 2026, White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Inc.
The contents of this website and eNewsletters are protected by USA and international copyright law. Permission is granted to download and print single copites of any of the contents or articles for personal use. No other copies may be made. Educational institutions may obtain permission to make multiple copies for classroom use by e-mailing us with details. The contents of articles may be quoted provided credit is given to the "(author's name), White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Kansas City, MO, USA". All other rights for use or reproduction of the contents and articles are reserved.