"Menu Anxiety: Gen Z and Millennials Scale Back on Eating Out, Too Nervous to Order"
Gen Z, who have experienced social anxiety due to COVID and lockdowns, are now facing "menu anxiety" when eating out. A study conducted by Prezzo found that 34% of 18 to 24 year olds ask others to speak to waiters on their behalf because they are too nervous to talk. Younger diners also prefer to check the menu before going out, with almost 40% saying they wouldn't go out for dinner if they couldn't check the menu first. Inflation and the fear of high bills are also contributing to Gen Z's hesitation to eat out, with nearly a third of 16 to 24 year olds expressing nervousness about the cost. As a result, many Gen Zers are spending more time cooking at home and cutting down on dining out.