Restaurant Chains Struggle to Lure Back Older Diners Post-Pandemic

Older customers have not returned to restaurants like they were expected to after the pandemic, hurting foot traffic. Chains say customers 65+ are especially cautious.

Inflation and economic concerns are also keeping older diners, who tend to be value-conscious, away from restaurants.

Cracker Barrel and Olive Garden have seen the biggest declines in customers 65+ compared to before the pandemic. Younger customers have returned more.

Cracker Barrel's retail sales have also fallen as older customers stay away. Its shares are down 27% this year.

Chains like Olive Garden are embracing a shift to attracting more younger diners through digital loyalty programs and opening new locations.