Slow Return For Dine In

While details surrounding when a COVID-19 vaccine will be widely available are sparse, Kansas State University research shows a vaccine might not be enough to restore confidence in consumers for eating out.

“Only about one-third of the people surveyed say they’re going to return to more in-the-restaurant and dine-in meals, if they have a vaccine,” says Glynn Tonsor of Kansas State University, who helped conduct and author the research.

This data, Tonsor says, means more attention will still be placed on retail meat demand. Additionally, restaurants able to provide drive-thru or curbside options will continue to see increased business.

Tonsor feared home cooking fatigue would hurt retail meat demand. But that hasn’t happened.

“Can we keep a high volume of meat going through grocery stores? I’m optimistic we can because they’ve made a lot of adjustments. In the next few months, it will be critical to sustain that.”