Restaurants that allow solo dining are increasing in popularity. Here’s why.

The New York-based Avant Gardner has put together an exclusive menu for diners who are not a couple, which comprise around 8% of restaurant’s customers.

By Alex Oliveira

Sep 03, 2024 11:04 PM

 

More Americans believe that when it comes to dining out, one’s company, two’s a crowd, a survey shows.

Dining out alone in restaurants is increasing in popularity, with reservations for singles rising by 29% in American restaurants over the past two years, as per the reservation service OpenTable.

And it’s not limited to the US. Dining out alone is on the rise all over the globe, particularly in that of the United Kingdom — where it’s up 14% in the last year — and also in Germany where it has witnessed an increase of 18.

Japan has also witnessed an increase in its population, due to the country’s Hot Pepper Gourmet Eating Out Research Institute reporting that around 23% of Japanese who frequently eat alone in comparison to 18% a year ago.

“I think there’s a broader movement of self-love and self-care and really… enjoying your own company,” OpenTable CEO Debby Soo spoke to ABC News, adding that the growth of remote work could boost the trend.

Anna Mattila — a Penn State professor who has been studying solo dining — believes the pandemic could be a result of normalizing solitude, whereas smartphones can maintain connectivity.

“The social expectations have changed. The majority of people don’t stare at diners who are solo and think”You must be a individual and a loner.'” she said.

Whatever the motive restaurant owners are stepping up to keep up with the demand.

Avant Garden, the upscale vegan restaurant situated in East Village, hired the consultant group for restaurants Lightspeed to adjust their menu and space to cater to customers who are not accompanied by a companion — which the restaurant’s owner Drew Brady says makes up around 8 percent of the customers.

The restaurant is now equipped with an enormous table that is reserved for diners who are solo and a menu of $65 for four courses made for one person and when single customers drink a cocktail, the bartender is on the table alongside the customer.

Brady his restaurant group Overthrow Hospitality has 11 vegan restaurants throughout New York City, sees the solo dining experience as a way to invest in repeat customers.

“While there may be a short-term loss there, I think we’re kind of playing the long game and establishing ourselves as a place that’s truly special,” the actor stated to ABC.

The trend was first noticed following this pandemic was discovered, Brady said, adding that diners who are eating alone are equally divided by gender.

If you’re frightened by the thought of eating on their own, Houston restaurant viewer Shawn Singh estimates that he is alone approximately 70% of times when he dines out suggests going out for lunch, or early dinners on weekdays.

“If I go at 5 p.m. and alone, I haven’t been denied at one place ever,” Singh stated to ABC.

However, to Jill Weber — founder of the hospitality company Sojourn Philly, which always sets aside tables for communal dining at its events for guests who are solo The anxiety of eating out on your own will be a part of excitement.

“It also feels brave sometimes,” she added.