No wonder the masses who have embraced Charli XCX 's album of the same name are showing a new trend: treating themselves to a solo restaurant meal.
In Lightspeed’s 2024 State of Dining Report, 45% of respondents said they are dining solo at full-service restaurants. Savvy restaurateurs need to take note of this trend and be bold in their own right to attract this growing customer segment. And contrary to the green-electric trend: solo dining is here to stay.
What is solo dining out?
Solo dining is the act of eating alone at a restaurant or othe poland number for whatsapp r establishment. The experience is all about you. You take your seat, order what you want, and enjoy yourself in your own company. Some would say it’s a growing trend (we are one of them), while others would see it as a sign of the times (referring to social isolation). But no matter how you interpret it, this restaurant clientele is booming… So get ready to set the table for one.
Why is solo dining a growing trend?
Cultivate a warm and welcoming atmosphere
Train employees to serve customers solo
Offer a flexible menu for solo diners
Make sure everything is running smoothly
Ask for feedback from your customers
A table for one person
Why is solo dining a growing trend?
There are a variety of economic and social reasons why solo dining is on the rise. Busy schedules, remote work, changing family structures, and the rise of single people are all factors shaping a new reality. For younger generations, especially in Asia, where the trend is often referred to as “secondary dining,” solo dining at a restaurant has become a symbol of empowerment . In Japan and Korea, where communal dining is the norm, there are now specific terms for solo dining , reflecting a cultural shift toward a greater emphasis on independence.
Whether you view solo dining as a form of self-care, mindful eating, or simply a way to escape the chaos of everyday life, creating a welcoming and appropriate space for solo diners is a smart move. This growing trend represents a significant business opportunity, so here’s how restaurants can attract and retain this clientele.
Cultivate a warm and welcoming atmosphere
Even though there are far fewer stigmas associated with solo dining at restaurants than there used to be, no one wants to feel like they stand out because they're dining alone.
To counteract this impression, create a space that lends itself well to solo dining. Whether it's a bar with comfortable seating that invites you to take your time or a communal table where guests don't feel left out, it's important to offer options.
Make sure your dining room layout includes appropriate areas where solo diners can relax in comfort. And don’t assume they want to be seated out of sight. In our recent State of Dining survey, the top priorities for solo diners were quiet (44%) and people-watching (43%). Solo diners are also part of the action, so don’t overlook sensory elements like music, lighting and place settings. When the person sits down, remove any extra plates, cutlery or glasses so the table reflects that this is their time.