7 in 10 Consumers Are Interested in Integrating Dining and the Metaverse

Will in-person socializing at restaurants be the next major activity to get a digital makeover? PYMNTS’ data suggests that could be the case, as restaurant customers have measurable interest in the metaverse.

In fact, about two-thirds of consumers would be interested in integrating the metaverse into their restaurant experience, according to “Digital Divide,” a PYMNTS and Paytronix collaboration based on a survey of 2,694 U.S. adults who regularly purchase food from restaurants.

Get the report: Digital Divide

The survey found that 39% of consumers are very or extremely interested in integrating dining and the metaverse, and another 29% of consumers are somewhat interested in doing so.

Thirty-three percent of consumers are only slightly or not at all interested.

The three younger generations identified in the study are the generations most interested in a metaverse-integrated dining experience, with 94% of Generation Z, 94% of millennials and 92% of bridge millennials saying they are interested.

The older two generations are less interested, with 88% of Generation X and 76% of baby boomers and seniors reporting interest.

Another factor that correlates with interest in the metaverse is ownership of connected devices. The more connected devices a consumer owns, the more likely they are to be interested in the metaverse.

Among those who own six or more devices, 31% have a high level of interest in the metaverse, and another 35% have low interest.

Among those who own three to five devices, 18% have high interest, and 35% have low interest.

Among those who own two or fewer devices, only 15% have a high level of interest in the metaverse, and another 26% have low interest.

Restaurant owners ready to promote their brands using the metaverse can leverage this technology to please their customers and usher in a future in which they serve more customers in more ways through innovation.