Thanksgiving Restaurant Reservations Rise 13% as Holiday Nears

As Thanksgiving approaches, restaurants across the country are seeing a surge in holiday dinner bookings. According to the booking platform OpenTable, reservations for the holiday are up 13 percent year-over-year — a clear sign many are opting to dine out instead of cooking at home.

The rise in demand comes amid rising grocery costs. However, a restaurant meal is unlikely to be cheaper than preparing dinner at home. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that restaurant menu prices are rising faster than grocery prices and general inflation.

Still, there’s a silver lining for those cooking at home this year. The American Farm Bureau Federation reports that the cost to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for ten people has dropped for the third holiday in a row — averaging just $5.52 per person this year.

Despite economic pressure, the increased restaurant reservations suggest many Americans are willing to pay for convenience, especially during the holiday rush.

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