April 14, 2000
Contact: Sue Hensley 202-331-5964, Erica Bohm (858) 541-2049

Washington, DC — Spring is in the air, children are hunting for eggs… and according to the National Restaurant Association, the Easter Bunny is joining more and more individuals at their favorite restaurants for Easter brunch or dinner. A new Association survey finds that many people are choosing to eat their Easter meal at a restaurant instead of staying in and cooking at home.

"For many Americans, leisurely dining at a restaurant on Easter Sunday, whether at a brunch buffet or for dinner, is a tradition," said Association President and Chief Executive Officer Steven C. Anderson. "Not having to prepare your holiday meal at home means more time to spend with your family."

According to the survey, 16 percent of adults eat an Easter meal at a restaurant-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.