The dining landscape in America is evolving, with a notable increase in solo dining experiences. According to TouchBistro’s 2025 Diner Trends Report, approximately one in five Americans (21%) now prefer to dine alone, marking a significant shift in consumer behavior. Additionally, 18% of Americans reported dining out solo last year, indicating a growing trend towards individual dining experiences.
This rise in solo dining is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with 29% of diners reporting that they dine out alone on a weekly basis or more frequently. Millennials and Gen Z diners, in particular, are leading the charge with 49% and 46% respectively engaging in solo dining at least once a week.
Despite the increase in solo dining, the majority of consumers still prefer to dine out with their significant others (51%) and family (49%). However, there has been a slight decline in the frequency of dining out with friends and family, with consumers reporting a 6% decrease in this category according to TouchBistro’s data.
As more individuals opt for solo dining experiences, there is a growing opportunity for restaurants to adapt their offerings and venues to cater to this demographic. TouchBistro recommends creating a welcoming environment for solo diners by providing more single seating options and tailored menu choices to enhance their dining experience.
Restaurants have also capitalized on the trend towards solo dining by introducing meal deals and promotions that appeal to individual diners seeking affordable indulgences. For example, Chili’s saw a significant boost in sales by offering deals like the Triple Dippers appetizer and 3 for Me deal, which includes an appetizer, beverage, and entree for $10.99. Similarly, Red Lobster launched a Happy Hour promotion with $5 drinks and $2 off select appetizers to attract customers looking for value-driven dining options.
Deals and value menus have proven to be effective in enticing customers back to restaurants, especially as 45% of consumers cite high prices as a deterrent for dining out. With 32% of consumers finding cooking at home to be a more cost-effective option than dining out, restaurants must continue to innovate and offer compelling deals to remain competitive in the evolving dining landscape.
Consumer dining habits are also influenced by household income, with lower-income households reporting less frequent dining out compared to higher-income households. While 27% of households earning less than $50,000 annually plan to dine out weekly or more often, 64% of households earning $200,000 or more intend to maintain their dining frequency from the previous year.
Overall, consumer sentiment towards dining out remains positive, with 58% of consumers expressing their intention to maintain the same level of dining out this year despite economic uncertainties. As restaurants navigate the changing preferences of diners and the competitive landscape, adapting to the rise of solo dining and offering value-driven options will be key to attracting and retaining customers in the evolving dining market.
