Spectrum News: Americans spend more at restaurants than on groceries
UC economist says prices, end of pandemic contribute to shifts in spending
Americans spent more money at restaurants than at grocery stores in 2022, which partially can be attributed to rising food prices, a University of Cincinnati economist told Spectrum News.
Erwin Erhardt
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans spent 20% more at restaurants than on groceries last year. With grocery prices up 8% compared to a year ago, some people have decided to spend less on groceries and opt for the convenience of take out or deliveries.
“It is a surprise in a way given the cost of food, but a trip to the grocery store has honestly gotten very expensive,” said Erwin Erhardt, PhD, an associate professor-educator of economics at UC's Carl H. Lindner College of Business.
Beyond the economics, Erhardt said, people wanting to socialize more following the COVID-19 pandemic also plays a role in the increased spending at restaurants.
“People are reconnecting, getting back out in some cases with people they haven’t seen in three years and I think once you break through and start doing that again you start enjoy going out again and I think that’s what’s going on,” he said.
Featured image at top: People eat together at a restaurant. Photo by Alex Haney on Unsplash
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Why so much hype around the new Grand Theft Auto?
November 6, 2026
UC experts from DAAP's game and animation program to a doctor at the Lindner Center of HOPE discuss the pros and cons surrounding the upcoming billion-dollar game Grand Theft Auto VI.
Are you experiencing “post-election stress disorder”?
November 6, 2026
Feelings of stress and anxiety tied to election results can persist even after the votes are counted, said University of Cincinnati psychiatrist Julia Stimpfl, MD, even though “post-election stress disorder” is not officially recognized as a mental illness. As she recently told Spectrum News 1 Ohio, those feelings can linger even after an election is finalized.
UC political science experts explain implications of Midterm elections
November 5, 2026
Faculty from UC's School of Public and International Affairs helped local and national media outlets understand the issues surrounding the Midterm election results.