Ethnic Restaurants

Ethnic restaurants are a commonplace sight in many U.S. cities and a growing presence in many small towns. What makes an ethnic restaurant? What purpose and whom do they serve? What is an authentic ethnic dining experience? These questions have seen much research and debate as dining out has become a significant pastime for many people in the United States and the world. While developed as a way to provide food and meeting places for immigrant groups, ethnic restaurants [Page 414]have experienced a growth in acceptance and desire among diners from outside of a culture. These restaurants no longer need to rely on only co-ethnics to support their business but must also tend to diners who seek out new experiences, want to learn about new ...