Research Methods in Foodservice Industry

Abstract

This paper discusses and presents a binary logit model used to identify factors affecting the decision to dine out. The purpose of this paper is to convey an understanding of the logit model and to facilitate use of the model for research related to the foodservice industry. Data used in the binary logit application come from the 1994-1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) and the Diet and Health Knowledge Survey (DHKS). The results of the empirical study shows that income had a positive effect on the probability of dining out, and those who were employed full time, part time, or temporarily unemployedwere more likely to dine out than unemployed respondents. Household size and age of the respondents had a negative effect on the probability of dining out. Education and gender did not affect the probability of dining out, while race of the household manager had a significant effect on the probability. White household managers were more likely to dine out than non-white household managers. The effects of urbanization and region were not significant.