Menu Anxiety: A Common Experience
A study conducted by Italian restaurant chain Prezzo revealed that a significant number of individuals from both Gen Z and Millennials admit to experiencing heightened anxiety when ordering food at restaurants.
This ‘menu anxiety’ particularly affects those aged between 18 and 34, with a notable proportion seeking assistance in selecting their meals or relying on others to order for them.
Causes and Concerns
The research highlights various triggers contributing to this phenomenon, including the overwhelming number of menu choices, concerns about pronouncing items correctly, and the fear of not finding something they like to eat.
Among the concerns, the fear of regretting their order, the cost of the meal, and experiencing food jealousy were notably prominent.
Coping Mechanisms and Reactions
To alleviate this stress, a significant portion of participants admitted to looking up menus beforehand or avoiding dining out if they hadn’t browsed the menu prior. Strategies to cope with the anxiety included waiting to order last in a group or experiencing regret once the food arrives, adding to the overall stress of the dining experience.
Generational Impact and Insights
Menu anxiety seems to affect younger generations more significantly, with a larger percentage of Gen Z and Millennials experiencing stress about the menu options, pronunciation difficulties, and food envy compared to older age groups.
Notably, a substantial number of respondents in their late teens to mid-twenties prefer not to go to a restaurant without previewing the menu.
Addressing Menu Anxiety
Dean Challenger, the chief executive of Prezzo, acknowledged the stress associated with dining out, particularly during festive seasons.
The study underscores the need to understand and address menu anxiety, recognizing that while dining out is anticipated, it can provoke significant stress for certain individuals.
