The finding: Return-to-office mandates are giving downtown quick-service restaurants a much-needed boost after years of sluggish sales.

• In-office and hybrid workers are significantly more likely to grab restaurant meals during the workweek compared to remote workers, who tend to dine out on weekends. Roughly 3 in 10 (29%) in-office workers typically make restaurant purchases on weekdays, compared to just 2 in 5 (19%) remote workers, per a PYMNTS survey,
• Additionally, 65% of in-office employees buy food from quick-service restaurants, well above the 56% of remote workers who do the same.

The big caveat: While it makes sense that time-pressed office workers and those looking to socialize are more likely to turn to fast food and other restaurant options during the week, those habits could shift as rising costs force consumers to rethink their spending.