Household Budgets Continue to Shape Canadians’ Dining Habits
Canadians’ restaurant habits in September 2025 reflected a delicate balance between financial caution and social connection, according to Restaurants Canada’s latest REACT Survey. While the Consumer Dining Index climbed to 95.7—its highest level in over a year—budget pressures continued to weigh heavily on how often people dined out.
The survey found that 41% of Canadians reduced restaurant visits due to household financial constraints, making affordability the single largest barrier to dining out. By contrast, social activities and gatherings emerged as the strongest positive influence, encouraging 30% of Canadians to dine out more frequently. Seasonal factors, such as improved weather and greater time availability, played a minor role, while political and economic events exerted a modest dampening effect.
The resulting net effect shows a clear tension between financial prudence and Canadians’ enduring desire for shared dining experiences. Even as many households continue to adjust to cost-of-living challenges, restaurants remain central to how Canadians connect with one another. The findings highlight both the resilience of social dining and the ongoing need for operators to offer value-driven experiences that appeal to consumers balancing enjoyment with economic reality.
To find out more, click here to see the full September 2025 REACT report.
As a Research Analyst with Restaurants Canada, Sara Hamdy contributes to a research program that helps make Restaurants Canada a trusted source of insight for and about Canada’s $124-billion foodservice industry. Sara develops and maintains analytical reports and interactive dashboards that present key economic and market trends in a clear and engaging way for members and the public.
Her work supports Restaurants Canada’s advocacy and industry initiatives by transforming complex data into accessible information that guides operators, policymakers, and media.
