Emily Organ

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Research Project

Out for Dinner: Comparing Local and Tourist Spending at a Popular Toronto Restaurant

Bio

I’m a communications student at Toronto Metropolitan University, but also a passionate and dedicated member of the hospitality community in Toronto. I’ve been an active and interested fine-dining server and diner for 5 years.

Thank you for your interest in my research of the relationship between restaurant spending habits and if the guest was living in or visiting Toronto.

Research Summary

Research was conducted at a popular fine-dining restaurant in Toronto regularly featured in local and tourism publications. At a full-service dinner restaurant well established with local and tourist markets, is there a relationship between the amount spent on dinner and if the guest was a local or tourist? The study found that tourists in these types of establishments seemed to seek the most comprehensive and specialty experiences offered, leading to a tendency for tourists to spend more than locals and revealing tourist’s demand for signature  and comprehensive restaurant experiences such as tasting menus and beverage pairings.

Research Poster

A detailed infographic poster titled 'Out for Dinner' by Emily Organ for Toronto Metropolitan University. The poster investigates the relationship between restaurant guest spending and whether the guest is a local or a tourist. Key findings indicate that tourists spent an average of $139.92 compared to locals at $99.76, and 69% of tourists enjoyed a tasting menu versus 33% of locals. The study recommends marketing similar establishments towards tourists and specialty experiences.

Lightning Talk

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