American Consumers dining out even less

The recession is forcing consumers to cut back even more on dining out, particularly at higher-end restaurants, according to a new survey.

The study by market research firm Morpace Inc. found that 48 percent of U.S. consumers are eating out less often now than they did about six months ago, when the economy began its tailspin.

“By last September, more than one-third of consumers had reduced restaurant dining -- but now it's almost half the population,” said Kirsten Denyes, vice president of retail services at Morpace.

Fast-food chains, such as McDonald's, KFC and Taco Bell, are faring best, the study indicated, as consumers appear to be trading down to lower-priced restaurants. However, Denyes said one-third of customers have even cut back on their fast-food visits.