Diners Walk Out Over Rude Service, Long Wait Times, and Sticky Menus

Strategic Insights -

The rise of inflation and economic stresses has caused people to be more intentional about choosing their dining experiences, leading to a surge in customers walking out of restaurants due to poor service, long wait times, and unclean conditions. According to a survey by Lightspeed Commerce, nearly a third of diners have left a restaurant before ordering due to long waits, and 1 in 5 have walked out because of rude staff. Sticky menus or tables are enough to deter 24% of customers from returning to a restaurant.

Key Takeaways:

  • A third of diners (30%) have left a restaurant before ordering due to long wait times.
  • 1 in 5 diners (20%) have walked out of a restaurant due to rude staff.
  • 24% of customers would not return to a restaurant due to sticky menus or tables.
  • Rude service is a major turn-off, with 40% of respondents saying it would keep them from returning to a restaurant.
  • 54% of diners feel pressured by preset tipping screens, with 44% reporting they are tipping less.
  • 29% of consumers would prefer to eliminate tipping altogether.
  • 55% of respondents reported dining solo, with 30% doing so as a way to try out new places.

Statistics:

  • 30% of diners have left a restaurant before ordering due to long wait times.
  • 20% of diners have walked out of a restaurant due to rude staff.
  • 24% of customers would not return to a restaurant due to sticky menus or tables.
  • 40% of respondents would not return to a restaurant due to rude service.
  • 54% of diners feel pressured by preset tipping screens.
  • 44% of consumers report they are tipping less.
  • 29% of consumers would prefer to eliminate tipping altogether.
  • 55% of respondents reported dining solo.

Sources:

  • USA TODAY
  • Lightspeed Commerce