Food quality is the strongest loyalty driver at 48 percent, far ahead of discounts or promotions at just six percent, according to the Summer 2026 Consumer Trends Report from Provoke Insights in collaboration with Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine. Good value (28 percent), service (21 percent), and cleanliness (15 percent) are among the secondary drivers. “Operators should focus on delivering strong execution, simplifying the experience, and reinforcing value beyond pricing alone,” said Carly Fink, President, Head of Research & Strategy for Provoke Insights, adding that despite economic concerns, dining out continues to matter to consumers, 68 percent notice restaurant price increases but still prioritize restaurant experiences. While restaurant inflation awareness has dropped from its peak of 81 percent in 2022/2023, restaurants maintain an elevated level of price sensitivity among consumers compared to other retail sectors that experienced sharper declines in sensitivity, the report found. Consumers are less motivated to return based on convenience (eight percent) and, while discounts have a limited effect overall, they do carry weight among parents, Millennials, and those making less than $150,000. “Restaurants should focus messaging on consistency, craftsmanship,service, and the overall experience rather than transactional offers. Consumers want reassurance that dining out will feel worthwhile, reliable, and emotionally rewarding despite economic pressures.” Consumers define quality primarily through food quality (48 percent), good value (28 percent), and service (21 percent), the report found. “While traditional quality markers still matter, diners increasingly associate quality with consistency, ease, and confidence in the experience rather than just premium pricing,” said Fink. Boomers…
