Dining out has become an important part of the American lifestyle, greater frequencies as well as increased portion sizes have led to concern. The number of Americans that are classified as overweight or obese has also increased considerably, and the foodservice industry has become a target. Mandatory labeling of menu items has been avoided to this point, but the subject has moved to the forefront and continues to be debated. This study surveyed 502 patrons at a student-run restaurant in Texas. Respondents provided information concerning their health and dining habits as well as their attitudes toward and intended usage of nutritional information (NI) on menus in full-service restaurants. Gender, education levels, age, and household income affect the attitudes toward and intended usage of NI. Exercise frequency, the current use of nutritional information on packaged foods, and the practice of healthy eating habits are all related to the intended use of NI while dining out.

Full-service restaurants serve many different types of customers with preconceived ideas about what they want and expect to receive from the restaurant. During the dining experience, each customer experiences the service differently and subconsciously evaluates the experience differently. The purpose of this study is to determine the expectations and perceptions of customers regarding the dining experience dimensions at Full-Service Restaurants (FSRs). The dimensions relate to service quality, food quality and ambience quality expectations and perceptions of customers. Customer satisfaction was also analysed, as a satisfied customer will show return intentions and this customer will tell friends and family about this FSR. A self-administered survey of employees at a tertiary academic institution revealed that waiter professionalism, value for money and the atmosphere in the restaurant are the most important considerations when it comes to the expectations of the dining experience. The findings of this study presented a demographic profile (gender, age, home language, highest education qualification, LSM) and it was found that demographic category groups differ in the way that they perceive the dining experience. The study reveals that males tends to be less critical than women, LSM 9 respondents are less critical than LSM 10 respondents and respondents with an undergraduate degree or less are less critical than respondents with a post-graduate degree. Respondents were satisfied overall with their dining experiences. Recommendations include that management must focus on pricing strategies, waiter training and the flow of communication between the restaurant and the customer. The recommendations made in this study will assist management of FSRs to understand the significance of the dining experience dimensions and to implement the required levels of service, food and ambience quality. With this knowledge, the management of FSRs can be assured of a satisfied customer and a competitive offering. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business Management)