The creation of memorable dining experiences: formative index construction

Abstract

Memorable experiences in restaurant settings are not well understood, and little is known about what they represent and how they should be measured. This study filled this knowledge gap by developing a formative index to assess and measure memorable dining experiences (MDE). Drawing upon strategic experiential modules, MDE was conceptualized as a second-order formative construct consisting of five first-order dimensions including sensory, affect, behavioral, social, and intellectual. This study adopted a mixed methods approach combining in-depth interviews and an online survey to determine and evaluate the underlying structure of MDE. Using PLS-PM as the analytical technique, the results of the data supported that MDE was a second-order formative construct, with 37 items capturing the five first-order dimensions. The study provided a comprehensive conceptualization of the MDE and a measurement scale with strong psychometric properties to help hospitality managers create and measure such experiences to gain a competitive advantage in the market. Detailed implications for academics and practitioners are provided.