Lunch in the U.S.: The Changing Landscape and Advertising Opportunities in the Pandemic Era

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] By: LaQuan Williams Landscape and Advertising Opportunities in the Pandemic Era COVID-19 has reshaped the world as we know it, including the way we work and eat. The

Lunch in the U.S.: The Changing Landscape and Advertising Opportunities in the Pandemic Era

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By: LaQuan Williams

Landscape and Advertising Opportunities in the Pandemic Era

COVID-19 has reshaped the world as we know it, including the way we work and eat. The shift to remote working has particularly transformed lunchtime habits across the U.S., providing unique opportunities for advertisers.

The Evolution of Lunchtime Habits and Advertising Insights

As a result of the pandemic, larger commuter regions have seen a decline in lunchtime transactions. However, areas like Kansas City and Charleston have bucked this trend, seeing an increase in lunchtime transactions compared to pre-pandemic numbers. This suggests potential advertising opportunities in these areas, targeting local businesses, takeout services, and local cuisine specialties.

The Rise of Takeout and Delivery: A Boon for Digital Advertisers

As more people work from home, the preference for dine-in has decreased while takeout and delivery have surged. Advertisers can seize this opportunity by partnering with delivery apps, creating mobile advertisements, and targeting campaigns towards people seeking the convenience of food delivery and takeout.

Lunch Bills and the Influencer Marketing Potential

The cost of lunch has seen a significant increase, with lunch checks up by about 46% in Q1 2023 compared to Q1 2019. However, savvy consumers looking to economize have led to the popularity of items such as avocado toast. This opens the door for influencer marketing. Brands can collaborate with food bloggers and influencers to promote budget-friendly meals and create content around affordable eating options.

Changing Tipping Trends and Community-Driven Advertising

A shift in tipping habits highlights consumers’ evolving relationship with their local eateries. In response to lower tips, restaurants might consider community-driven advertising campaigns, focusing on their value to local customers and the importance of supporting small businesses during these challenging times.

Alcohol Consumption at Lunchtime: A Niche Market for Advertisers

The report also highlights intriguing trends in lunchtime alcohol consumption. Cities like Milwaukee and Denver have seen a surge in lunchtime alcohol purchases, suggesting a niche market for advertisers. Alcohol brands could leverage this information to target their campaigns, perhaps suggesting creative cocktail pairings with popular lunch dishes.

Conclusion

In the face of the pandemic and the shift to WFH, lunch across the U.S. has significantly evolved. This transformation presents a fresh canvas for advertisers to showcase their creativity and adaptability. Embracing these trends and using them to inform marketing strategies will be the key to staying relevant and engaging with consumers in this new era of work and dining. As we navigate through these changes, it’s clear that there’s much to learn, explore, and take advantage of in the advertising world. Get started with us today by giving us a call or shoot us an email!

Phone: (717) 436-3443

Email: andre@ifodige.com

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