New data from the National Restaurant Association’s 2025 Off-Premises Restaurant Trends report highlights how off-premises dining has become both a consumer preference and business essential, with the convenience and availability of takeout, delivery and drive-thru normalized in everyday life. In fact, nearly 75 percent (3 out of 4 orders) of all restaurant traffic now happens off-premises.

“Off-premises dining has become a key revenue driver and an essential way to engage consumers,” says Dr. Chad Moutray, chief economist at the National Restaurant Association. “It now accounts for a larger share of sales for 58 percent of limited-service and 41 percent of full-service operators compared with 2019 – providing a critical path to restaurant resilience and growth despite ongoing economic pressures.”

Gen Z and millennials are leading the way on this trend. Two-thirds say takeout is essential to their lifestyle, and nearly 6 in 10 use takeout or drive-thru at least weekly.

Most urban consumers say takeout or drive-thru is essential, while 67 percent of rural consumers wish they had more options for takeout, highlighting areas for growth.

Mobile ordering has been used by 57 percent of adults recently, including 74 percent of millennials and 65 percent of Gen Z adults. Older adults still prefer in-person ordering. Takeout is the most frequent off-premises method, followed by drive-thru and delivery.

In response to consumer preferences, 65 percent of limited-service operators now offer delivery, with many expecting curbside and dedicated takeout areas to be even more common in 2025.

Consumers want speed, ease of use and rewarding experiences. An overwhelming majority of consumers say speed is critical, as is value tech-enabled ordering and payments. Value matters too, with over 80 percent of consumers utilizing deals like "Buy One, Get One” offers, combo meals or real-time specials. Loyalty programs are also important, with 65 percent of drive-thru users and over 60 percent of takeout and delivery users saying membership affects where they order.