Problem Statement
Despite the fact that dining out offers a rich experience—bringing people together and enhancing social bonding—rising inflation has shifted the behavior of many Americans. With inflation up and restaurant prices increasing by 4.1%, 68% of Americans are now choosing to eat at home. This means that people are missing out on new culinary experiences and the well-being benefits of communal dining. Furthermore, with the overwhelming number of restaurant choices and generic reviews, finding the perfect dining option has become a risky financial decision, leaving many diners hesitant to explore new venues.
Problem Characteristics
High Financial Risk
With restaurant prices outpacing inflation, dining out has become a more expensive and risky decision for the average consumer. In recent years, United States food prices rose by 25%.
Overwhelming Choice
Customers experience indecision when selecting dishes, making it difficult to confidently choose meals they will enjoy based on taste.
Generic Reviews
Online reviews may not accurately reflect the customer's personal taste, leading to dissatisfaction in the dining experience. About 30% of online reviews are fabricated. How do you know which reviews to believe?
Group Indecision
Studies show that group decisions regarding where to eat is heavily influenced by social environment.[12] Can lead to individuals eating at places they don't enjoy just to fit in with the group and avoid conflict.