Reasons for Eating Out - Research Paper Example

People are conscious of healthy eating habits and demand this even when eating out. Literature from academic sources was studied and the objectives carried out. Recommendations to the hospitality marketers have been made after a discussion of the findings. The target segments according to the study are households with more number of children, single-parent families and those whose income has increased in the recent past. Families with working women are other prime targets as with changes in lifestyle eating out increases.

The study has concluded with recommendations for future research in the field.Eating out is an interesting phenomenon and there is none that does not enjoy eating out. While some eat out for a change others love to eat out habitually. Some are forced to eat out and others enjoy eating out. Food is a powerful cultural medium and it symbolizes important relationships and social institutions (Gofton, 1995). Rituals and ceremonies involve food and attempt to introduce new types of food are considered dangerous, immoral and anti-social.

However, with an increase in the purchasing power of the people, changing lifestyles and influence of globalization, food habits have undergone a change globally. Eating out is no more a luxury but is sometimes considered to be a necessity. Eating out differs across age, sex and income levels. Changing consumer demands have also affected the eating out the market as people demand healthier food. There is an increasing level of information (and misinformation) about food and the increasing prevalence of health-related propaganda in the media (Tomlinson, 1998).

People have become conscious of healthy eating habits and even when they eat out, they demand healthy food. People are generally aware that food eaten at home is more nutritious, healthy and hygienic but nevertheless the trend towards eating out has been moving upwards. It thus becomes essential to understand what urges