#weekendsplurge

[gqresearch24]

Shift In Consumer Spending: Lunch Savings And Evening Outings

(Source – IWG).

The shift in Consumer Spending to hybrid work models has significantly affected lunchtime business for many bars and restaurants, preventing a return to pre-pandemic levels. Data released Tuesday by the digital payments platform Square highlights this trend, showing a 3.3% decline in weekday transaction volumes between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in 2022 compared to 2019. However, while lunchtime transactions have dipped, weekend and evening spending has seen an uptick. Card transactions rose 4.2% on weekends and 0.3% during weekday happy hours from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This data aligns with findings from University of Toronto researchers, who observed that foot traffic in major U.S. cities’ downtown areas rebounds more rapidly during evenings and weekends than on workdays. These trends indicate a new normal in post-pandemic leisure spending, which remains robust despite increased costs of dining out. Fast food chains are launching promotions to attract customers turned off by price hikes, and alcohol brands are pushing canned cocktails as menu prices rise faster than grocery bills.

Shifting Consumer Habits

The transformation in consumer habits, particularly among office workers, is evident. Ara Kharazian, research lead at Square, noted that while lunchtime spending has decreased, the saved money is being redirected to weekend activities. “That’s been the largest transformation in the last four or five years,” Kharazian said. “We’re seeing consumers instead spend money on the weekends.”

Brunch has emerged as a significant driver of this weekend spending increase. In 2023, 1.88% of the food and drink transactions Square processed occurred between 11 a.m. and noon on Saturdays, up from 1.60% in 2019. This data, based on transaction volumes rather than dollar amounts, reflects changes in foot traffic rather than inflation-adjusted spending.

Sara Senatore, a senior restaurant analyst at Bank of America, suggests that consumers are gravitating towards more affordable dining options. “Brunch is a much more accessible price point than dinner,” she said. “People still want to go out to eat, they still want the experience, they still want to congregate with their friends and family.”

Boston’s Stark Shift in Spending Patterns

Boston exemplifies the shift towards evening and weekend spending. Among the 23 major cities analyzed by Square, Boston saw a 10.1% decline in weekday lunch transactions, which was more than compensated for by a 10.3% increase in weekend transactions and a 1.6% rise during happy hours. Aceituna Grill, a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant in Boston, has experienced a noticeable drop in lunch crowds at its three pre-pandemic locations, particularly those near office buildings for Bank of America and PwC, according to CEO AJ Kurban.

The trend indicates that consumers are rethinking their spending habits and prioritizing their leisure time after work. With hybrid work schedules reducing the need for weekday lunch outings, the saved funds are being funneled into weekend and evening activities. Despite rising costs, the desire for social experiences remains strong, driving people to find ways to enjoy dining out without breaking the bank.

[digna2018]

You know what time it is🎉 #breakfast #fancycup #weekendsplurge #igottime #coach_dinelle #coachdinelle #healthandwellness #herbalife #coach #personaltrainer @coach_dinelle (at Coach Dinelle) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkBiPwpr_P-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shereeandcompany]

. . 👅💦😂😜 . Where my W.A.P. Divas at??? . It Stands for Want A Purse!!😂 . If you want a Purse, let’s chat! Do you have a Wishlist for your most favorite bag? See something on the website? Remember we have In-House Payment Plans and @affirm at Checkout for your shopping convenience🤗 . . #wap #shereeandco #purse #baglady #consignment #designerconsignment #consignmentshopping #shopconsignment #fridayshopping #weekendsplurge #weekendvibes https://www.instagram.com/p/CEb9nSOjyC0/?igshid=1890suxf1bchr

[ludviksdesigns]

#lastday @ooak_toronto we're open #today 10-6pm booth F05 #ludviksdesigns #ooakspring #ooakdiaries17 #ooakdiaries #3djewelry #weekendsplurge #coolaccessories #silverandblack #iamfy http://ift.tt/2n1qVzM

[grillofoodservices]

It's the 2nd Friday of the new year. Here are our survival tips to get through happy hour tonight. 

- Don't order your usual. You're more likely to have a second round when you're drinking your fave.

- Go solo. Sharing a pitcher of margaritas with your friends may be more economical, but you're better off, calorie-wise, ordering by the glass. That way you can't lose sight of how much you're downing because someone is constantly topping you off.

- Cover up the snacks. If you seem to be magnetically drawn to that bowl of spicy nuts, drape a napkin over it. Even if you end up sneaking a few bites, you'll nibble 40 percent less, according to a recent study.

#YouCanDoIt

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Check out our #GrilloFood2Go pre-packaged, healthy, yummy food that is delivered right to your door. 

http://www.chefgrillo.com/pricing-and-information.html

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Grillo Food & Services creates a way where passion is tasted & experienced through seasonal & fresh ingredients mixed with unique flavor combinations and cuisine from around the world.

Call, text, email or visit

(612) 578-6358

mike@chefgrillo.com

http://www.chefgrillo.com/

#Weddings #RehearsalDinners #GradParties #ChurchEvents #SocialGatherings #HappyHour #Mixers #Appetizers #CocktailParties #Catering#FundraisingDinners #NonprofitOrganizations #Catering #Grillofood2go #mealdelivery #mealplanning #personalMeals #familymealplanning #healthyeating #newyears #NYE2016 #Resoultions #Batching #mealprep #SavingTime #EatingHealthy #HealthyEating #TipsonHowToEatHealthy #weekendsplurge #cheatDays

[hangtightwmarcie]

A little weekend splurge. Are there any other #tiramisu fans? I bought this from the #dekalbfarmersmarket it was just ok. #weekendsplurge #weekendcheat

[normalcrazy]

Upon the advice of @cpallie - a Toasted Graham Latte with one less pump of syrup. #weekendsplurge #tomorrowisdayone #goodbyesugar (at Starbucks)

[travelandfitnessbug]

Maple lamb with balsamic vinegar tomatoes. #yummy #weekendsplurge #idonotshare

[jaermobb]

Cop'd me a new pair. #forgiveMeforIhaveSinned #again #jordans #chickswithKicks #dontTellMA #kotn #weekendSplurge

[wjiayan]

Sometimes in life... You just need that damn good steak... 😗 #weekendsplurge #foodporn #brunch (at Porter House)

[askjackieb]

#InNout #Cali #ItsThatTime #WeekendSplurge #DoubleDouble mmmmmm

[nicolemariemelton]

THIS is happening right now with @nubiashines & @cassaundrac! #roadtrip #mmmmgood #weekendsplurge

[shereeandcompany]

. . Because I’m old and can only pack a few boxes a day😩 I’m moving along y’all😂 . . Happy Weekend y’all👋🏾👋🏾 Sending emails soon🤗 . . #boxing #shereeandco #unboxing #louisvuitton #designerconsignment #consignment #consignmentshopping #shopping #weekendsplurge (at Wilmington, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBoGr1TjS16/?igshid=wrxleni27zxe

[ludviksdesigns]

I wish I could sell shadows :) These large cube earrings were a big hit with my customers today, only one pair left... #earrings #earringsoftheday #3dprinting #handmadejewelry #blackandwhite #ooakspring #ooaktoronto #ooakdiaries17 #coolaccessories #3djewelry #silverandblack #makemesmile #weekendsplurge http://ift.tt/2oo4chb

[grillofoodservices]

No, No, No...it can't be!  The weekend is here and instead of celebrating, some of us are freaking out. 

After all, many of us just resolved to eat healthier in 2017.It's that weekend, that means we're going to be tempted to have a cheat day or two. Well no need to freak out. 

We're sharing some super easy ways to enjoy your weekend and to stay on track with your healthy eating goals. 

It's the only the first weekend of the new year and we're not going to let you throw out your resolutions so quickly. 

However, you've worked hard all week and you do deserve to be rewarded.  Consider rewarding yourself with a healthy splurge. 

- Healthy Reward: Treat yourself to a movie (we won't tell if you sneak in your favorite healthy snacks), a massage, a fun fitness class you've always wanted to try, or buying a cute fitness apparel item. 

- Plan some activities, not meals. When you eat with friends, you consume 50% more than you do alone.  So instead of grabbing a bite to eat, go to a museum or a community event. -If you do decide to eat out, consider lunch instead of dinner. It's easier to eat light and you're less likely to order cocktails. 

-When the weekend rolls around, we often just want to veg out. Consider active relaxation. A long stretch of inactivity can inspire compulsive nibbling. The immobility quickly adds up: Skip your regular 1-mile walk, add those extra 222 calories you tend to eat on weekends—and that alone can equal a gain of about 7 pounds a year!  Impose a time limit; 2 hours is fine. And use that extra time to do something good for yourself, like chopping veggies for dinner that night and snacks to take to work the next week. Also, don't forget to work downtime into your week so you don't feel as exhausted come the weekend. 

- Obligations with others can throw off your regular healthy routine. It's important to take control wherever and however you can. If your weekends are packed full with trying to fit in quality time, errands and cleaning you could face challenges on staying on track of eating right and healthy activity.  Be prepared: throw healthy snacks in your bag so you won't be tempted to grab something unhealthy when you're out. Don't forget to take your water bottle with you too. 

All in all: It's okay to shuffle around meals and snacks, just don't skip them or your hunger will overpower you. Plan active family outings that aren't doable during the week. You burn slightly more calories than you would at your 9-to-5 desk job, which helps even out a sensible weekend splurge. #YouCanDoIt

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Check out our #GrilloFood2Go pre-packaged, healthy, yummy food that is delivered right to your door. http://www.chefgrillo.com/pricing-and-information.html

-------

Grillo Food & Services creates a way where passion is tasted & experienced through seasonal & fresh ingredients mixed with unique flavor combinations and cuisine from around the world.

Call, text, email or visit

(612) 578-6358

mike@chefgrillo.com

http://www.chefgrillo.com/

#Weddings #RehearsalDinners #GradParties #ChurchEvents #SocialGatherings #HappyHour #Mixers #Appetizers #CocktailParties #Catering#FundraisingDinners #NonprofitOrganizations #Catering #Grillofood2go #mealdelivery #mealplanning #personalMeals #familymealplanning #healthyeating #newyears #NYE2016 #Resoultions #Batching #mealprep #SavingTime #EatingHealthy #HealthyEating #TipsonHowToEatHealthy #weekendsplurge #cheatDays

[manny02acosta]

#bananasplit #weekendsplurge @jellys_world_8p #enjoying this with you. @dairyqueen (Taken with Instagram at Dairy Queen)