Solo Dining on the Rise in Restaurants Worldwide.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in single-person reservations at restaurants across the globe. A new survey by OpenTable revealed that solo dining is becoming increasingly popular with an impressive 29% rise in the United States over the last two years. This trend is not limited to America alone; it has also been observed in other countries such as the United Kingdom, where single dining has risen by a remarkable 14% this year, and Germany, which experienced an 18% boost in solo diners. Even Japan has seen an increase in people dining alone with about 23% of individuals frequently eating out alone, up from 18% six years ago, according to the country’s Hot Pepper Gourmet Eating Out Research Institute.
The reasons behind this surge in solo dining are varied and complex. OpenTable CEO Debby Soo suggested that there is a broader movement towards self-love and self-care, which includes enjoying one’s own company. Additionally, the rise in remote work may also be playing a role in boosting this trend as more people are spending time alone during their workdays.
Anna Mattila, a Penn State professor who has studied solo-dining, also believes that the pandemic might have contributed to normalizing solitary behavior since people were forced to spend more time alone during lockdowns. Furthermore, smartphones have made it easier for people to stay connected even when they are dining by themselves. As Mattila put it, “The social norms have changed. People don’t look at solo diners anymore and think, ‘You must be a loner.
In response to this growing market demand, restaurants are adapting their spaces and menus to cater specifically to solo diners. Avant Garden, an upscale vegan eatery in the East Village, hired the restaurant consulting group Lightspeed to modify its environment and offerings for those dining alone. Restaurant owner Drew Brady stated that about 8% of their customers are solo diners, highlighting the importance of catering to this demographic as part of a long-term investment in customer loyalty.
Brady explained that the trend began after the pandemic and noted that solo diners at his restaurants are fairly evenly split between men and women. He also shared some tips for those who may feel anxious about eating alone, recommending going out for lunch or an early dinner on weekdays as a less intimidating option.
For Jill Weber, founder of the hospitality group Sojourn Philly, the experience of dining out alone can even be thrilling and empowering at times. She mentioned that her company always sets aside communal tables at events for solo visitors, emphasizing the importance of making everyone feel welcome regardless of their dining preferences.
As more people embrace the idea of enjoying a meal by themselves, it is clear that restaurants must continue to adapt and innovate in order to meet the needs of this growing demographic. By providing an inviting atmosphere and tailored menu options for solo diners, establishments can create loyal customers who will return time and again to enjoy their own company while savoring a delicious meal.
