10 Reasons to Buy Restaurant Gift Cards This Year

 

Restaurant gift cards are a holiday favorite for good reason. They blend thoughtfulness with practicality, offering recipients the chance to enjoy delicious meals at their favorite eateries. According to the National Restaurant Association, 3 in 5 adults plan to give restaurant gift cards this season, with the trend particularly strong among younger generations. Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® suggest we explore why restaurant gift cards are the perfect choice for your holiday shopping list.

1. Convenience for Busy Shoppers

Buying restaurant gift cards is quick and hassle-free. Whether you purchase them online, at a restaurant, or through major retailers like Walmart and Amazon, you can easily check multiple names off your list with minimal effort.

2. Flexibility for Recipients

Restaurant gift cards offer unparalleled flexibility. Recipients can use them for dine-in meals, takeout, or delivery—making them ideal for a wide range of preferences and schedules. In fact, 76% of adults value the option to use gift cards for delivery or takeout, and this number jumps to 82% among Millennials.

3. Full Meal Coverage

A thoughtful gift should eliminate stress, and 81% of adults say it’s important that a restaurant gift card covers the full cost of a meal. By selecting cards with higher values, you ensure your gift provides a complete dining experience.

4. Support for Local Favorites

Nearly half of all adults (48%) prefer to buy gift cards directly from restaurants, allowing them to support their favorite local spots. This is especially meaningful in the post-pandemic era, as many restaurants continue to rebuild.

5. Perfect for Food Lovers

Everyone loves good food. Whether it’s a burger enthusiast, a sushi aficionado, or a brunch devotee, there’s a restaurant gift card for every palate. Cards from popular chains like Olive Garden, Chipotle, or Starbucks cater to diverse tastes.

6. Gifting Across Generations

While 74% of Gen Z and 70% of Millennials plan to give restaurant gift cards, older generations are also joining in. Baby Boomers, for instance, love gifting these cards because they know recipients enjoy dining out, making them an ageless gift option.

7. Memorable Dining Experiences

A restaurant gift card is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It brings people together to create lasting memories, whether it’s a family dinner, a romantic date night, or a casual outing with friends.

8. Tailored to Familiarity

Recipients overwhelmingly prefer cards for restaurants they already know and love. Seventy-seven percent favor familiar spots over new ones, making cards from recognizable brands a safe and appreciated choice.

9. Budget-Friendly Options

With a range of denominations available, restaurant gift cards fit any budget. You can give a small token for casual outings or a generous amount for fine dining. Options like Cheesecake Factory or Outback Steakhouse often include bonus deals during the holiday season, providing extra value.

10. Practical and Thoughtful

Restaurant gift cards strike the perfect balance between practicality and thoughtfulness. They’re ideal for hard-to-shop-for individuals, allowing them to enjoy a meal when it’s most convenient for them.

Recommended Gift Cards for Different Types of Consumers

·         For Families: Cards for family-friendly spots like McDonald’s, Red Robin or Cracker Barrel are great choices, ensuring everyone from kids to grandparents enjoys the meal.

·         For Coffee Lovers: Starbucks and Dunkin' gift cards cater to caffeine aficionados and casual coffee drinkers alike.

·         For Foodies: Upscale options like Ruth’s Chris Steak House or The Capital Grille provide a luxurious dining experience.

·         For Busy Professionals: Fast-casual favorites like Panera Bread or Chipotle offer quick and satisfying meals.

·         For Adventurous Eaters: Cards for ethnic cuisine restaurants or regional chains introduce recipients to bold new flavors.

Think About This

Restaurant gift cards are the ultimate holiday gift for friends, family, and colleagues. They’re easy to buy, thoughtful to give, and delightful to receive. This season, follow the trend set by 59% of adults and make restaurant gift cards the centerpiece of your holiday gifting strategy.

Are you looking for a new partnership to drive sales? Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing tactics look more like yesterday than tomorrow?  Visit GrocerantGuru.com for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may have the clue you need to propel your continued success.