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COVID-19 risk perception and restaurant utilization after easing in-person restrictions

Author

Listed:
  • Yenerall, Jackie
  • Jensen, Kimberly
  • Chen, Xuqi
  • Edward Yu, T.

Abstract

This article investigated the influence of risk aversion and the perception of risk associated with dining inside a restaurant on restaurant utilization and expenditures in the initial re-opening phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistent with economic theory, risk aversion and perception decreased the use of in-person restaurant services and increased the probability of using take-out and delivery, but had no influence on total restaurant expenditures. Risk perception had a larger effect on indoor dining compared to outdoor dining, suggesting risk averting behavior within the utilization of in-person restaurant services. These findings suggest COVID-19 concerns may influence restaurant use even after states relax their policies restricting restaurant operations. Our results also highlight the importance of developing policies to support the restaurant industry as consumers adjust to the re-opening phase of the pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Yenerall, Jackie & Jensen, Kimberly & Chen, Xuqi & Edward Yu, T., 2022. "COVID-19 risk perception and restaurant utilization after easing in-person restrictions," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 107(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfpoli:v:107:y:2022:i:c:s0306919221001858
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2021.102206
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wang, Yupeng & Shimokawa, Satoru, 2024. "A trade-off between lives and the economy? Subsidizing dining out under the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    2. Zhao Li & Wangbing Liang & Jingfeng Luo, 2022. "Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak Risk Perception on Willingness to Consume Products from Restaurants: Mediation Effect of Risk Attitude," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-16, May.
    3. Heinrich Zozmann & Lennart Schüler & Xiaoming Fu & Erik Gawel, 2024. "Autonomous and policy-induced behavior change during the COVID-19 pandemic: Towards understanding and modeling the interplay of behavioral adaptation," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(5), pages 1-30, May.
    4. Robert Paul Jones & Mohammad Alimohammadirokni, 2024. "Patrons Reaction to Fear in Different Dining Contexts: A Cognitive-Experiential Self-Theory Exploration," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-24, August.

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