Families across the United States cherish dining traditions at their favorite restaurants, whether they celebrate birthdays at a beloved eatery, enjoy leisurely Sunday brunches at a cherished local diner, or indulge in piping hot pizzas every Friday night at the neighborhood pizzeria.
While many diners prefer the comfort of familiar establishments year after year, there’s a palpable desire among others to explore new culinary landscapes. Stacey Kinkaid, the vice president of product development and innovation at US Foods, noted that consumers are increasingly “looking for new flavor experiences that excite their palates and provide a respite from their daily routines.” This shift toward global flavors reflects a growing trend where diners actively seek out opportunities for discovery and a break from the mundane.
According to a comprehensive survey conducted by US Foods, involving 1,000 individuals representative of the American populace, the average person ventures out to dine approximately three times each month. These outings can serve a variety of purposes, from social engagements and enjoying the unique atmosphere of different eateries to celebrating special occasions and simply avoiding the hassle of cooking and cleaning.
Among the types of restaurants frequented by diners, casual dining leads the pack at an impressive 62%, followed closely by fast food establishments at 57% and fast casual options at 54%. The survey indicates that contemporary casual (32%) and bar-and-grill venues (25%) round out the top five preferred dining categories.
If you’re looking for fresh inspiration for your next dining adventure, Stacker has compiled an enticing list of newly opened restaurants in Phoenix, leveraging data from Yelp. This guide includes insightful ratings from diners, alongside the diverse types of cuisine each restaurant offers. Prepare to discover new dining destinations!
Gorditas Mi Lola
- Rating: 0.0/5 (0 reviews)
- Address: 7840 West Lower Buckeye Road, Phoenix
- Categories: Food Trucks, Comfort Food
Viet Bites
- Rating: 3.8/5 (4 reviews)
- Address: 20235 North Cave Creek Road Ste 108 Phoenix
- Categories: Vietnamese
Taiwan Mama
- Rating: 3.6/5 (15 reviews)
- Address: 822 East Union Hills Drive Ste D 16 Phoenix
- Categories: Bubble Tea, Taiwanese, Shaved Ice
Rihana’s Pizza & Wings
- Rating: 4.1/5 (12 reviews)
- Address: 3143 East Greenway Road Ste 903 Phoenix
- Categories: Pizza, Salad, Chicken Wings
Flower Child Paradise Valley
- Rating: 4.4/5 (8 reviews)
- Address: 12640 North Tatum Blvd. Phoenix
- Categories: Salad, New American, Vegetarian
Forks & Boards
- Rating: 3.8/5 (12 reviews)
- Address: 1818 West Bell Road Ste 116 Phoenix
- Categories: Bars, Halal, Cafes
Central Bean Cafe
- Rating: 5.0/5 (9 reviews)
- Address: 4727 North Central Ave. Phoenix
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Desserts, Filipino
Camelback Pho
- Rating: 5.0/5 (7 reviews)
- Address: 702 West Camelback Road Ste A1 Phoenix
- Categories: Vietnamese
Yuzu Omakase
- Rating: 4.8/5 (34 reviews)
- Address: 4727 East Bell Road Ste 59 Phoenix
- Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese
3Natives
- Rating: 5.0/5 (12 reviews)
- Address: 13637 North Tatum Blvd. Phoenix
- Categories: Juice Bars & Smoothies, Salad, Breakfast & Brunch
Smash Grill
- Rating: 4.9/5 (10 reviews)
- Address: 6050 North 16th St. Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Kosher
Eggstasy
- Rating: 5.0/5 (8 reviews)
- Address: 5538 North 7th St. Ste 110 Phoenix
- Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Salad, American
This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, written by Jaimie Etkin, and is part of an insightful series utilizing data automation across 82 metros.
**Interview with Stacey Kinkaid, VP of Product Development and Innovation at US Foods**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Stacey! Thank you for joining us today to discuss consumer dining trends in 2024. What are some key findings from your recent survey regarding American dining habits?
**Stacey Kinkaid:** Thank you for having me! One of the most significant findings is that the average American dines out about three times a month. These outings are not just about food; they’re social experiences that bring people together for various occasions—birthdays, celebrations, or simply enjoying a break from cooking.
**Interviewer:** That’s interesting! It seems that while families cherish their favorite restaurants, there’s also a growing trend for exploring new culinary experiences. Can you elaborate on that?
**Stacey Kinkaid:** Absolutely! Many consumers are looking for exciting new flavors and dining experiences. We noticed a palpable shift towards global flavors, as people seek opportunities to discover different cuisines. It’s a way for them to add variety to their dining routines and escape the mundane.
**Interviewer:** In terms of dining preferences, what types of restaurants are Americans gravitating towards in your research?
**Stacey Kinkaid:** Casual dining remains the leading choice, with 62% of respondents preferring that category. Fast food follows closely at 57%, and fast casual options are at 54%. Contemporary casual spots and bar-and-grill venues also feature prominently in what diners are looking for.
**Interviewer:** With such diverse preferences, how important is it for restaurants to adapt and innovate to meet consumer desires?
**Stacey Kinkaid:** It’s crucial! Restaurants need to stay ahead of trends and adapt their menus to include global flavors and unique dining experiences. This innovation not only attracts new customers but also keeps existing customers interested and returning for more.
**Interviewer:** for those looking to explore new dining options, can you recommend any recently opened restaurants that have caught your eye?
**Stacey Kinkaid:** Sure! In Phoenix, we’ve seen some exciting new spots like Viet Bites for Vietnamese cuisine, Flower Child for a healthier New American option, and Rihana’s Pizza & Wings for a casual but delicious outing. It’s always great to support local businesses while exploring the diverse offerings!
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights, Stacey! It sounds like the dining scene is evolving, and there’s plenty for people to look forward to.
**Stacey Kinkaid:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how dining continues to transform as consumers embrace new experiences.