The trend of solo dining is on the rise, driven by changing social behaviors and a growing number of people living alone. According to OpenTable, reservations for parties of one increased by 8% over the past year, with younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials leading the way. Many solo diners enjoy the convenience and see it as an opportunity for personal time and trying new restaurants.
Restaurants are adapting by offering more seating options suited for solo diners, such as smaller booths and countertop seating. Yasmin Wages, co-owner of Malai Kitchen, notes that solo diners now prefer private tables rather than bar seats. This shift presents an opportunity for restaurants to fill seats and engage more personally with customers, enhancing their dining experience.
