Data: More than one-third of consumers more inclined to seek out Black-owned restaurants

More than one-third of consumers are more inclined to seek out Black-owned restaurants as a result of the social justice movement that followed the deaths of George Floyd and others this year, but the picture is far from rosy, according to a survey by The Coca-Cola Company looking at consumer choices for dining out.

“Our study found that recent events around race and social justice have inspired diners to seek out Black-owned restaurants,” said Kathleen Ciaramello, president, foodservice and on-premise at The Coca-Cola Company. “This increased support comes at a time when Black restaurant owners desperately need it, as 84% of them have made staff reductions due to COVID-19.”

However, the data indicates Black-owned restaurants were slightly less likely to make staff reductions, compared with the 86% of all restaurant owners who said the same, the survey found.

In addition, Black restaurant owners have invested an average of $7,300 to adapt to new COVID-19-related operations, compared with the average of $7,400 spent by all restaurant owners.

The study, “Restaurant Reopening: Challenges, Needs and the Keys to Getting it Right,” is based on surveys between June 22-July 2, 2020 in Florida, Washington state and New York, including 418 restaurant operators and 1,500 restaurant patrons responding.

Related:These Black-owned restaurants were saved by the social justice movement

Click through the gallery to see how this year’s events have impacted consumer behavior.