Dining out...in your car

Americans are increasingly more likely to order and eat meals in their cars, according to a published report.
USA Today reports that takeout meals and curb-side service is on the rise at more upscale restaurants, rather than the traditional fast-food drive-up window.
The newspaper cites a survey from market research firm NPD Group, which asked those surveyed about the meals they had the day before and estimated that the average American:

• Ordered 22 percent of restaurant meals from their car, according to the firm's latest survey, up from 14 percent in 1998.
• Ate about 32 restaurant-purchased meals a year in their cars, up from 19 in 1985.
• Took home 57 restaurant meals a year, compared with 33 in 1985.
• Ate 80 meals a year at restaurants, down from 93 in 1985.

Supermarkets might have to follow the restaurant trend and offer curbside service, Harry Balzer, a vice president for NPD Group, told the newspaper. "At some point, they are going to have to knock a hole in the side of the wall and throw the rotisserie chicken out as you drive by," he said. [USA Today]