A survey of 1,000 consumers conducted by Datassential found that only 20% of consumers will “absolutely dine in right away” when restaurants reopen, with 39% considering and 41% saying “no way.” That is a common theme being painted by multiple surveys including a survey by Monday Night Brewing Co. that said 75% of craft beer consumers would be unlikely to visit a brewery in the month of June.
The Datassential survey, as detailed in a blog post by Bart Watson, economist for the Brewers Association, also indicated that there will be much deeper and lasting behavioral changes by location and demographic. “Those results vary as you might expect by age, with Gen Z and Millenials rising to 25% and 31% respectively for “absolutely,” and only 10% for Boomers,” Bart reported. “As such, breweries with older demographics may see slower rebound trends at their establishments.”
The reluctance for consumers to dine out could impact craft beer sales in two ways; by slowing the beer purchases by the restaurant industry and fewer people visiting brewery tap rooms.
