Takeout Is No Longer a Perk—It’s a Way of Life Now

Gone are the days when takeout was just an occasional treat. According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2025 report, 75% of restaurant traffic is now off-premise, driven by a need for speed, convenience, and value. Whether it’s pickup, delivery, or drive-thru, takeout is no longer about indulgence—it’s a lifestyle.

Takeout Is the New Normal

Consumers today are prioritizing efficiency. Nearly 95% of Americans say speed is critical, and 90% rank it as the top priority when ordering food. Whether they’re dining in their car or bringing meals home, customers want it fast—and they want it now.

“Convenience has become part of the overall lifestyle,” said Chad Moutray, chief economist at the National Restaurant Association. That lifestyle shift is especially evident among younger generations.

Gen Z and Millennials Drive the Trend

More than half of Gen Z and Millennials consider takeout and drive-thru meals essential to their routine. In fact, 60% say they order takeout more frequently than they did just a year ago, compared to 47% of all adults.

While delivery is still popular (37% of adults use it weekly), takeout wins in both preference and frequency. This is a generation that values flexibility—and they’re reshaping the restaurant industry to reflect it.

Value Is King

In today’s economic climate, value is non-negotiable. But “value” isn’t just about price—it’s also about quality, portion size, and overall satisfaction. Restaurants are adjusting their strategies accordingly, using limited-time offers, bundle deals, and rewards programs to appeal to cost-conscious diners.

  • 65% of drive-thru customers and 60% of takeout/delivery customers say rewards programs influence where they order.

  • 80% of diners report using promotions like BOGO deals and value meals.

Smartphones are now key to unlocking those deals, and loyalty points often make the difference in where customers choose to eat.

Technology Is Fueling the Future

Digital ordering and artificial intelligence are no longer “nice-to-haves.” They’re essential. Half of Gen Z and Millennials say they’re open to using AI-powered ordering assistants to improve the takeout experience.

From personalized menu recommendations to predictive inventory management, AI is enhancing the way restaurants operate behind the scenes—and how customers interact with them.

“The pandemic accelerated trends that were already in place,” Moutray said. “Tech adoption has skyrocketed in just a few years.”

Takeout Culture Is Here to Stay

What started as a convenience has now become a cultural shift. Whether you’re picking up dinner after work, cashing in on a mobile app deal, or customizing your order through AI, takeout is now deeply embedded in how Americans eat.

And with Gen Z leading the charge, this trend isn’t going anywhere. It’s not just a meal—it’s a way of life.x