How do restaurant atmospherics influence restaurant authenticity? An integrative framework and empirical evidence

Abstract

The study proposes an integrative conceptualization to capture the theoretical notion of perceived restaurant authenticity (PRA). It conceptualizes PRA as a multidimensional construct consisting of four dimensions. Furthermore, the study proposes a conceptual model that includes three main restaurant atmospheric aspects (i.e., design, ambiance, and social) as exogenous antecedents affecting the four restaurant authenticity dimensions. These PRA dimensions are hypothesized to positively influence restaurant attachment, which in turn, positively predicts restaurant patronage. To test the proposed model, structural equation modeling (SEM) is applied to data collected from patrons of two dining restaurants. The results are broadly supportive of the proposed model. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.