Dining out, practically an American past time, has gone out of style. For a myriad of reasons, from outrageous prices to health concerns, fewer and fewer people are eating meals at restaurants, opting instead for home cooking and other convenience foods. The New York Times recently reported that approximately 60% of Americans surveyed are dining out less frequently than before. Sales of cookbooks, canning supplies, and cooking classes are on the rise. Survey participants also state they are clipping more coupons, buying less meat, and using more leftovers.
On one hand, the restaurant business is suffering, which will inevitably lead to closings and layoffs. Nearby businesses that depend on foot traffic from restaurants will also suffer, allowing neighborhoods to decline and die. That isn’t good for anybody.
On the other hand, some restaurants (mostly the chains) have refused to change their mode of operation during the economic crisis. Monster portions, outrageous prices, and unhealthy dishes does little to help the average person. Vegetables are scarce, with vegetarian or vegan choices at a minimum. Organic foods are not used in favor of more cost effective meat and produce. Local, seasonal produce is seldom incorporated into the menu offerings.
With people eating at home more often, cooking their own meals and shopping at local grocery stores, the climate is right for a major shift in the way we see food. Restaurants may face an adapt or die atmosphere, wherein they will be forced to alter their business practices in favor of more environmentally responsible methods of preparing and serving food. Hopefully, this will lead to more healthy options, reasonable prices, and appropriate portion control.
This one is a toss-up. Businesses closing? Bitter. More home cooking? Sweet. Could this bring about positive change? You decide.
