Some people are avoiding restaurants as the Delta variant spreads

Some consumers are rethinking their return to dining, according to industry executives and data, a change that threatens the rebound in the US restaurant industry.

Restaurants that survived last year’s waves of closures had headed into the summer with growing optimism as most countries ended restaurant occupancy restrictions. The increase in online delivery and ordering activity has boosted restaurant chains in recent months including Ruth’s Hospitality Group Inc. and Outback Steakhouse owner Bloomin ‘Brands Inc.

However, individual operators and recent industry data now point to a more mixed picture, especially in US markets hit hard by Covid-19 outbreaks and renewed coronavirus advisories. Recent consumer surveys show that the Delta variant prompted Americans who say they are most restricted in their activities to start going out of business again at the end of last month.

Chris Downs, a 32-year-old mechanical engineer from St. Louis County, Missouri, returned to the restaurant for dinner in May after being vaccinated, which allowed him to celebrate his father’s birthday and see friends again. Now, along with Delta, he has quit dining out for fear of catching the virus.

“I’m back to preparing all the meals at home,” Mr. Downs said.