Factors affecting university students' restaurant choices: The case of Antalya

The aim of this study is to find the factors affecting the restaurant choices of university students, to evaluate the criteria that make the restaurants serving in the sector preferable by university students, and to offer suggestions for the development of the food and beverage services sector. Food and beverage services businesses, which are an important part of the service sector, which accounts for 54.6% of Turkey's gross domestic product, play an important role in this income. In this study, it was investigated that the restaurants in Antalya, which has a large student population, are preferred by students. The preferences of students with a great income potential for catering services can guide the marketing strategies of restaurants. In line with the purpose of the study, Antalya Bilim University students were asked questions about their restaurant preferences, and the DENESERV service quality scale and restaurant satisfaction survey were made, and the relationship between service quality dimensions and satisfaction was examined. As a result, it has been determined that the first reason for students to go to restaurants is to meet their socialization needs. Reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy, which are among the elements of service quality, affect the restaurant satisfaction of university students.