Lunch has always held a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers. From bagel shops and corner delis to trendy uptown bistros, NYC’s lunch scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. But with inflation on the rise and work habits shifting, New Yorkers’ approach to their midday break is evolving in fascinating ways.

ezCater’s 2024 Lunch Report recently found that 81% of New York professionals say lunch is the highlight of their workday, compared to 73% of their counterparts in other major metros. At the same time, inflation has more people rethinking their usual spots or even cutting back on how often they eat out. Meanwhile, changes in work culture — like hybrid schedules and flexible hours — are encouraging employees to look for new ways to make the most of their lunch breaks.

Let’s take a look at how these trends are changing the city’s lunch culture and the role employer-sponsored meals can play.

The price tag of a NYC lunch break

There’s no denying that the cost of a NYC lunch is steep. On average, employees spend about $418 per month on workday meals, and the high cost is making many rethink their lunch routines. In fact, The Lunch Report found a full 78% of NYC employees say rising costs have created at least some shifts.

Today, 34% of employees are actively looking for less expensive options. Around 34% are also buying lunch less frequently and many are choosing to bring in lunch from home. But that’s not always easy in a fast-paced city where time is at a premium. And with the cost of groceries, bringing lunch from home doesn’t always lead to big cost savings — especially when you factor in food prep time.

Time is money: the hidden costs of lunch

In a busy city like New York, traffic and crowds tend to make everything take longer, and lunch breaks are no exception. For 76% of NYC employees, lunch breaks stretch for 30 minutes or more, which is 7% longer than the national average. 

But that “extra” time? It’s hardly a leisurely escape. With the typical break clocking in at about 40 minutes, most are just dashing out, picking up a meal, and hustling back to their desk. In fact, a full third of New Yorkers say they spend 30 minutes or more just waiting on takeout, and that’s the highest rate in the country.

Blocking off time for lunch on the calendar sometimes helps make it a priority. But New Yorkers are falling short here too. Only 34% of NYC workers manage to make this a habit, falling short of the national average of 43% across the country who do the same. These challenges leave workers feeling like lunch is more of a pit stop than a true break.

The meal prep marathon

With eating out taking so much time and money, bringing lunch from home must make more sense, right? Well… not quite. For many New Yorkers, meal prep is practically a part-time job. The Lunch Report revealed that 13% say they spend over three hours a week prepping their food, compared to just 9% nationally. And it’s not always an easy task. About 73% say it cuts into their free time and 56% say all that planning and packing stresses them out.

Additionally, nearly a third of employees have had their lunch stolen from the office fridge at least once, and 86% of them say it’s happened on multiple occasions. 

The treat economy

In New York, it seems like a little treat goes a long way. For many, grabbing a quick coffee or gluten-free snack from a favorite café is about more than a sugar fix — it’s a well-deserved reward for making it through another meeting or tackling that looming deadline.

Nearly half of New Yorkers (49%) say they rely on these small rewards to keep them going, a bit higher than the national average of 43%. When they do choose to indulge, 41% are likely to visit nearby cafes and shops, compared to just 31% nationwide.  

These small moments offer a chance to relax, unwind, and reset, so they can come back to work with fresh energy. And here’s where employers can make a difference. Small gestures like bringing in lunch or an afternoon dessert for the team can lift spirits and show appreciation. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to create a more satisfying work environment while giving employees the extra boost they need to power through their day.

How lunch is shaping a return to the office

The rise of hybrid work environments has left many employers looking for ways to make in-person work more attractive. Turns out, bringing in breakfast for the team or a catered lunch might just be the answer. A full 41% of NYC workers say they’d be willing to work on-site three to four days a week if lunch were provided — and that’s 17% higher than the national average. 

Free food at work creates a pretty big financial incentive too, especially for younger workers. The Lunch Report found that millennials tend to spend about $26 more for groceries each week than Gen X and boomers. And Gen Z is almost twice as likely as average to spend $20 or more ordering delivery or going out for lunch during the work week.

Employer-provided meals help employees keep that extra cash in their pockets and make their workday a little easier. When lunch is taken care of, they can focus more on their work and less on logistics. Plus, helping employees save money each week leads to greater loyalty, higher engagement, and a more positive work environment.

The business case for company-provided lunch

High costs and hectic schedules can make lunchtime a real challenge for NYC workers, but employers have the power to make a real difference. Company-provided meals can ease financial pressures, save time, and lift team morale.

And best of all? With the right partner, it’s cost-effective and hassle-free. Explore ezCater’s corporate catering solutions today and see just how easy it is to get started.