This article reviews the extensive, multidisciplinary body of literature relating to
consumer studies in foodservice. It draws upon this diversity of research to show the
scope of this fascinating area and to identify areas of commonality within and
between different schools of research, as well as gaps and weaknesses in the body of
knowledge. The review is organised into four sections, representing different research
approaches. ‘‘Survey research’’ includes studies of consumers as groups, while the
work reviewed under ‘‘experimental research’’ involves test situations in which
different factors have been manipulated. Studies under ‘‘economics and geography’’
represent alternative quantitative approaches to consumer research. Under ‘‘sociological
and anthropological research’’ is included a range of qualitative research
which provides complementary insights into the restaurant experience.