According to the National Restaurant Association, the best time to start thinking about dinner reservations for Labor Day weekend is now. More than 35 percent of people will dine out, order takeout, or request delivery for a picnic over the weekend.

"This Labor Day weekend is shaping up to be a busy one for restaurants, as more than one-third of Americans plan to dine out or order takeout," said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of the Research and Knowledge Group for the National Restaurant Association. "This is especially good news for restaurants located at destinations along the Eastern seaboard that are eager to welcome guests after Hurricane Irene."

According to James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com LLC, he is not surprised. Summer is a favorite time of year for vacations nationwide. In heavily visited vacation destinations like Las Vegas, he expects Labor Day weekend to set new records.

"It's not uncommon for people to book their dinner reservations lock step with whatever day tour they plan in Las Vegas," says Hoke. "We're always happy to give them recommendations or even place their reservations if they request a customized tour package. Labor Day is especially busy for Las Vegas, given it marks the end of summer, is one of the last long weekends to play at the hotel pools, and often hints at milder temperatures for people looking to enjoy the outdoors on Labor Day weekend."

Additional Highlights From The National Restaurant Association.

• 25 percent of consumers plan to dine at a restaurant over the Labor Day weekend.
• 15 percent plan to order takeout or delivery from a restaurant for a cookout or picnic.
• 5 percent plan to both dine out and order takeout during the last long summer weekend.

Men who make plans are especially more likely to use restaurant services for Labor Day weekend, 40 percent to 30 percent. The study also said that people ages 45 to 54 were more likely to dine in on Labor Day whereas people ages 18 to 34 were more likely to use takeout or delivery, giving them more time to enjoy the outdoors.

"The study falls right in line with what we've experienced as a major tour operator in Las Vegas," says Hoke. "Interestingly enough, Labor Day tends to beat the Fourth of July and Memorial Day in terms of restaurant business. It's almost as if people see it as a last chance to be served during the summer."

Hoke added that patrons may break statistical data and pick their dining options before arriving in Las Vegas. According to the survey, most people (66 percent) picked restaurants randomly during their stay, 24 percent chose restaurants that were close by, and only one-fifth selected restaurants before arriving at their designation. On a positive note, he said when guests forget to place reservations after a day tour, he recommends the oldest Thai restaurant in Las Vegas because they deliver right to the hotel room. Some tours, he said, include dinner.

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