Memorable dining experiences amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management
; 35(3):871-892, 2022.
Article
in English
| CAB Abstracts | ID: covidwho-2324620
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
This study aims to investigate the effects of memorable dining experiences (MDEs) in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach:
A total of 530 valid survey responses were collected in the USA. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to estimate inner and outer models. A two-stage approach was applied to test the moderating effects of restaurant safety measures. Additional analyses were conducted to compare electronic word of mouth (eWOM) intention and actual eWOM behavior.Findings:
All five dimensions contributed to the overall memorability of a dining experience, with affect being the primary factor. Overall memorability was positively related to subjective well-being and actual eWOM behavior. Restaurant safety measures were positively related to the overall experience but did not moderate the relationship between any dimension and overall memorability. Research limitations/implications Findings provide empirical support for the conceptualization of MDEs during a pandemic and underscore the importance of actual eWOM behavior in restaurant research. Practical implications Results offer guidance for restaurant managers in designing MDEs. Originality/value The restaurant industry is evolving from simply providing products and services to creating experiences. Yet the impacts of crafting MDEs are not well understood, especially during a pandemic. This study filled this gap by investigating MDEs and their effects on subjective well-being and eWOM behavior.
Social Psychology and Social Anthropology [UU485]; Consumer Economics [EE720]; Food Economics [EE116]; Food Service [QQ700]; restaurants; behaviour; consumer behaviour; food industry; services; safety; coronavirus disease 2019; pandemics; USA; APEC countries; high income countries; North America; America; OECD Countries; very high Human Development Index countries; United States of America; behavior; consumer behavior
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
CAB Abstracts
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Qualitative research
Language:
English
Journal:
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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