Abstract

Purpose: In the post-COVID-19, many consumers still feel uncomfortable with crowding in closed spaces. This study investigates how non-crowding affects consumer satisfaction and restaurant visit intention. Research design, data, and methodology: The data were collected from 350 people aged 20 and above. A total of 347 respondents, excluding 3 unfaithful respondents, were analyzed using Smart PLS 4.0 program. Result: Both spatial and human crowding have significant effects on satisfaction. On the other hand, neither spatial nor human crowding directly affected dine-out intention significantly. In addition, spatial crowding was found to have a direct and significant effect on in-store dining intention, but human crowding did not have a direct and significant effect on in-store dining intention. It was found that satisfaction had a significant effect on both dine-out intention and in-store dining intension. Conclusions: This study has expanded the range of consumer behavioral intentions by applying a non-crowded environment (S) to the SOR theory. Also, Consumer behavioral intention was expanded by dividing visit intention into a dine-out and in-store dining intention. Therefore, we propose measures to minimize human crowding by introducing a system such as adjustment of store operating hours, reservation system, store opening time alarm system, and reduction of cooking time.