LOUISVILLE, Colo. - A recent survey reveals that 25 percent of respondents plan to visit restaurants more during the next three months, Marketing Daily reports.

The number accounts for an increase in consumer confidence when compared with Market Force??s similar December 2009 report that found only 5 percent of consumers indicating that objective.

The current survey also discovered that 8 percent of respondents think the economy will prevent their eating out as often in the coming months, while the December survey found that half said they would eat out less often. Sixty-seven percent said their current dining-out arrangements will stay the same over the next three months, compared to 44 percent in December.

Social media is playing a growing role in reaching restaurant-goers. Around half of respondents said they sometimes read online reviews and blog or tweet about restaurant visits. More significantly, "very satisfied" patrons?"those who give a restaurant a top rating?"were three times more likely to tout the restaurant to friends both online and in person.

"Because of the long-term effects that recommendations have on a restaurant??s reputation, a one-point disparity in a rating scale can spell the difference between real sales growth and a stagnant business," said Janet Eden-Harris, CMO of Market Force.