Do the physical facilities in restaurants match older Americans’ preferences? |
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Authors: | Barbara Almanza Jing Ma Richard Ghiselli Ji-Eun Lee Carl Behnke Sandra Sydnor |
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Institution: | 1. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA;2. Department of Hospitality Business Management, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA;3. Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA |
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Abstract: | This study investigated restaurants’ response to the aging population’s preferences. Gaps between previously identified preferences and current restaurant design were examined. The observational survey assessed: parking and outside accessibility, comfort and inside accessibility, menu readability, and restrooms. Occasional gaps were found even though restaurants were generally well-designed. Casual dining restaurants were more likely to meet consumer preferences as to the exterior, seating, and service. Limited-service restaurants better met preferences for the bathrooms, lighting, and sound. This information may be helpful when building or remodeling restaurants and may help restaurants to attract older customers. |
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Keywords: | Foodservice design older consumers restaurant features seniors |
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