Americans Increasingly Enjoy Dining Alone
Nowadays, dining alone at restaurants in the U.S. is no longer stigmatized, especially as the number of single-person households in major cities continues to rise.
Many still remember the comedy film The Lonely Guy, where Steve Martin’s character caused a crowded restaurant to suddenly go silent when he requested a table for one. In 1984, dining alone at a restaurant was seen as highly unusual.
However, things have changed. The number of online reservations for solo diners has increased by 8% compared to the previous year.
Of the 60% of people who said they dined alone in the past year, 68% were from Gen Z and Millennials. They appreciate the convenience of not having to cook or clean and enjoy experiencing different restaurants. Solo dining among Gen Z and Millennials is the fastest-growing demographic, according to restaurant surveys. Social media has also made it easier to find places that cater to solo diners. Restaurants like Chipotle and Sweetgreen provide convenient lunches and dinners, offering single seating at the bar.
The dining trend reflects changes in social behavior. Around 30% of Americans now live alone, and the rate of delayed marriages is on the rise. Only 37% of people aged 25-49 are married with children, down from 67% in 1970.
Consumer attitudes have also shifted. A 2022 survey by market research firm Mintel found that 60% of people feel comfortable dining alone at casual restaurants.
“I truly enjoy the experience of being by myself and connecting with myself,” said Leandra Moultrie, 34, who works in marketing in Florida and frequently dines alone.
Restaurants have noticed this trend and have quickly adjusted their strategies, selling seats rather than tables. Yasmin Wages, owner of Malai Kitchen in Dallas, has observed an increase in the number of customers requesting to dine alone, particularly during lunch and late-night hours. In her newest branch, which opened three years ago, Wages designed smaller tables and single-serving portions.
“Dining alone used to be looked down upon,” she said. “But now it’s peaceful because customers can detach from the world for 40 minutes and enjoy their meal.”
