News Release | National Restaurant Association

News Release

Valentine's Day Second Most Popular Day to Dine Out

February 08, 2005
Contact: Annika Stensson (202) 973-3677, Sue Hensley 202-331-5964

According to the National Restaurant Association, Valentine's Day is the second most popular day of the year to dine out. More than one-quarter of Americans (28 percent) dine out on Valentine's Day. The most popular occasion for dining out is Mother's Day.

"Each Valentine's Day, restaurants offer more than just a delicious meal—they provide diners more time to spend with that special someone," said Association President and Chief Executive Officer Steven C. Anderson. "While dining out is part of Americans' lifestyles throughout the year, restaurants provide the perfect venue and meal for occasions such as Valentine's Day."

According to the Association's 2004 Holiday Dining survey, 41 percent of individuals between the ages of 25 and 34 reported dining out on the previous February 14, more than any other age group. Dining out on this day is also more common among residents living in the North Central region (31 percent) and those living in households of three or more people (32 percent).

According to Association research, those who dine out on Valentine's Day, spend an average of $62.

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Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which is comprised of 945,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a work force of 13 million employees. Together with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Association works to lead America’s restaurant industry into a new era of prosperity, prominence, and participation, enhancing the quality of life for all we serve. For more information, visit our Web site at www.restaurant.org.

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