Solo dining is surging, industry data shows

The restaurant industry is experiencing a notable shift in dining patterns, with solo dining surging to unprecedented levels according to recent industry data. This trend reflects broader changes in social behavior, work patterns, and consumer preferences that have accelerated in recent years.

The Numbers Behind the Trend

Industry analytics firm OpenTable reports that reservations for parties of one have increased by 35% over the past three years, with the most dramatic growth occurring in the past 18 months. The data shows that solo diners now account for approximately 18% of all restaurant reservations, up from 13% in 2021.

Restaurant reservation platform Resy has observed similar patterns, noting that peak dining hours for solo diners have shifted. While traditionally most solo diners visited restaurants during lunch hours or late evening, there's now a significant increase in solo dining during prime dinner hours, particularly between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

What's Driving the Change

The surge in solo dining can be attributed to several interconnected factors:

Remote Work Revolution: With millions of workers now operating from home offices, the traditional lunch break at restaurants has evolved. Solo diners are using midday meals as a way to break up their workday and enjoy a change of scenery.

Digital Nomad Culture: The rise of location-independent work has created a new category of solo diners who work from cafes and restaurants, treating them as temporary offices with better food options.

Social Media Influence: Food-focused social media platforms have normalized the idea of dining alone, with hashtags like #SoloDining and #TableForOne garnering millions of views. Restaurant-goers are increasingly comfortable documenting their solo meals, reducing the stigma once associated with eating alone.

Economic Factors: For some consumers, solo dining represents a more affordable luxury compared to dining with others. A single person can enjoy a restaurant experience without the higher total bill that comes with group dining.

Restaurant Industry Response

Restaurants are adapting to accommodate the growing solo diner demographic. Many establishments are redesigning their spaces to include more bar seating, counter options, and small tables that cater to individual guests.

Some restaurants have introduced "solo diner specials" - curated menus or pricing structures designed for single guests. Others are training staff to provide attentive service to solo diners without being intrusive, recognizing that many solo guests value both privacy and engagement.

Technology is also playing a role in the solo dining surge. QR code ordering systems and mobile payment options make the experience more convenient for individual guests who might feel uncomfortable flagging down servers. Some restaurants are even experimenting with app-based systems that allow solo diners to join communal tables or connect with other solo guests.

The Economic Impact

The shift toward solo dining has significant economic implications for the restaurant industry. While solo diners typically spend less per table than groups, they often visit restaurants more frequently and during traditionally slower periods.

Industry analysts estimate that the increase in solo dining has helped restaurants improve their revenue per available seat hour (RevPASH) metrics, particularly during off-peak times. This has been especially valuable for restaurants struggling with reduced capacity and higher operational costs.

However, the trend also presents challenges. Restaurants must balance the desire to accommodate solo diners with the need to maximize table turnover and accommodate larger parties, which typically generate higher per-table revenue.

Future Outlook

The data suggests that solo dining is not a temporary trend but a fundamental shift in consumer behavior. Market research firm NPD Group projects that solo dining will continue to grow, potentially reaching 22% of all restaurant visits by 2025.

This projection is supported by demographic trends, including the increasing number of single-person households and the growing acceptance of solo activities among younger consumers. Generation Z and younger millennials show particularly high comfort levels with solo dining, suggesting the trend will strengthen as these cohorts gain more spending power.

As restaurants continue to adapt to this changing landscape, the solo dining experience is likely to become increasingly sophisticated and normalized, further accelerating the trend and reshaping the restaurant industry's approach to service, design, and customer experience.