When you compare the population of the six key generational groups, Millennials come in as largest, at a reported 74 million in North America, and this number is expected to grow at a rate surpassing any other demographic. And what do Millennials love? Social media, says NPD’s Bonnie Riggs, a restaurant industry analyst. Riggs says Millennials spread the word via their social media channels, such as Facebook and Twitter when they have strong feelings – good or bad – about dining out: “What Millennials may lack in buying power they make up for in influence. They have expectations when they dine out and are quick to spread the word when their expectations are or aren’t met.” Because the Millennial age group ranges from those aged 18 all the way to 34, this segment of the population is particularly interesting because on one end you have young adults eating out while away at school or for social gatherings, all the way to young families comprised of parents in the early thirties. |
