Eating out spend set to rise for one in five office workers

One in five (20%) consumers have said they intend to spend more on eating and drinking out when they return to the office, according to a new survey by consumer and location intelligence specialist CACI.

The research found that 67% were willing to spend the same on hospitality as they had previously.

Almost half (44%) of respondents said they welcomed the benefits of working from home in terms of less travel/commuting time, with 49% keen to combine home and office working. Only 19% said they wished to return to the office full time, and 25% said they expected to.

Operators would do well to look for prime locations near offices in order to attract returning footfall, according to CACI, while landlords need to recognise the value of a mixed F&B offering.

Alex McCulloch, director of CACI, said: “Hospitality as an industry has been greatly missed by all, and our latest data shows there is high demand of consumers ready to spend and enjoy the novelty of eating out within close distance to workplaces.

“Our working environments have changed significantly throughout the pandemic; we have seen office spaces empty out and the same four walls at home have become our hubs to live, work and play. Now with government restrictions easing and employers understanding the majority of employees want a work-life balance, flexibility is key to a successful workplace moving forward.”