Off The Map

American Demographics, Oct 1, 2002 by John Fetto

Byline: JOHN FETTO

Order Up

Despite unfavorable economic conditions and the desire, brought on by the terrorist attacks, to cocoon, Americans are still expected to spend an estimated $373 billion on food away from home this year - on everything from candy bars in vending machines to six-course meals at five-star restaurants. In fact, by year's end, the restaurant industry will have increased sales by an estimated 3.9 percent over 2001.* The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 2000 (the latest year for which detailed consumer data is available), the typical American household spent $2,137 (41 percent of the annual food budget) on food consumed away from home. Households headed by someone between 45 and 54 years of age spend the most on dining out - $2,638 on average - while the young (under age 25) spend the greatest share of their food budget (49 percent) away from home. Interestingly, young adults are as familiar with the kitchens of American restaurants as they are with the dining rooms. Of the nation's 8.1 million employees at restaurants and bars, 45 percent are under the age of 25, reports the BLS. Free food and tips - not bad for a first job. *National Restaurant Association

OUT ON THE TOWN

New York City may be known as the country's restaurant capital, but Springfield, Mass. has one restaurant for every 78 residents.

CHECK, PLEASE!

Projected food and drink sales for 2002 (in billions) for the following types of food industry vendors:

CAFE CULTURE

Americans spend only 2 percent of their away- from-home food budget at cafes and bars, compared with Spaniards, who devote 40 percent.

PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL CONSUMERS' AWAY-FROM-HOME FOOD

BUDGET DEVOTED TO THE FOLLOWING VENDOR TYPES, BY COUNTRY:*

THE LUNCH CROWD

Americans most likely to eat lunch in a sit-down restaurant, by demographic:

BIG CUP

Metros ranked by residents' propensity to eat at a coffeehouse: