Westchester Dining: One-Quarter of Americans Will Dine Out on Valentine's Day

The National Restaurant Association projects that one-quarter of America's population will dine out on Valentine's Day, Thursday, Feb. 14. Only Mother's Day is more popular for holiday dining, the NRA stated.

The population of the U.S.A. had passed 315 million by the end of 2012.

It is generally believed that the profit per guest is more favorable for restaurants on Valentine's Day than on Mother's Day.

As far as choosing where to dine out on Valentine’s Day is concerned, the study found that 42 percent of the respondents would pick their favorite restaurant or their companion’s favorite eatery for dining on Valentine's Day. Twenty-one percent preferred a restaurant with a romantic atmosphere. More details are given below.

The research study conducted by the NRA also found that a restaurant gift card or certificate was the gift most desired by men on Valentine's Day but not by women. The study revealed that forty-six percent of men favored a restaurant-related gift as opposed to only 13 percent of women. The study participants were given six gift choices as shown below.

The survey results were disclosed on Feb. 8, 2013.

Preferred restaurant for dining on Valentine's Day

1. Their favorite restaurant, or their companion's favorite restaurant, 43%
2. A restaurant with romantic atmosphere, 21%
3. A restaurant offering a special menu or promotion, 13%
4. A restaurant picked by their companion, 12%
5. A restaurant they had not been to before, 11%

Gift most desired on Valentine's Day by men

1. Restaurant gift card, 46%
2. Clothing, 16%
3. Chocolate, 12%
4. Perfume or cologne,10%
5. Jewelry, 8%
6. Flowers, 3%

Gift most desired on Valentine's Day by women

1. Jewelry, 37%
2. Flowers, 27%
3. Restaurant gift card, 13%
4. Chocolate, 11%
5. Clothing, 9%
6. Perfume or cologne, 6%

National Restaurant Association. 2055 L St. NW, Washington, DC 20336, 202-331-5900