Eating alone at a restaurant, also known as solo dining, used to be seen as "abnormal." Rarely would you see people sit down to eat at a fancy restaurant by themselves, but times are changing, and people want to grab a bite to eat even if no one is with them.
Some people even prefer to eat alone.
Why?
We'll explore why people are eating alone and how you can cater to this new demographic of people who are eating by themselves and enjoying it.
Why are People Eating Alone?
Do you want to know why people eat alone? We can't say that 100% of people are solo eating because of these facts, but a few of them are because of:
- Higher costs, leading to people eating on their own rather than in groups.
- "Me time." Some people want to splurge on themselves, so they dine solo.
- Remote work and busy schedules have led to fewer people eating with coworkers.
And fewer people feel awkward eating alone because more people are doing it. Economics are playing a factor in the rise of people eating alone, too. For example, when people used to go out with friends or invite someone to come with them, they would often cover the entire bill. However, people cannot afford to do that anymore, so they're also opting to go out and treat themselves.
Work and life are extremely busy for many people, so why not take the time to treat yourself by dining out, even if you're alone?
You might even meet someone new while you're solo dining.
If you want to cater to this growing sector of customers, there are several steps you can take to create a positive experience.
Creating an Atmosphere for Solo Diners
Eating alone in a large booth seems intimidating. Solo dining often feels awkward, and restaurants should create an atmosphere to cater to these new demographics.
Why?
No one who goes out to eat alone wants to feel like they're singled out in some way. You can create a space for people eating alone by:
- Offering tables with one or two chairs
- Providing quiet spaces, because that's why 4-in-10 people eat alone
- Placing solo dining spaces near music or televisions, too
An interesting point for restaurant owners is that some people who solo dine don't want to be near sensory elements, such as television or live music, and this is one of the tricky parts for owners.
You'll find around 50% of people eating alone crave a quiet space, while the other 50% do not want to be neglected.
A good alternative is to offer spaces for solo dining in both an area that is near the action and an area where people are away from the action. Regular diners who come in groups have both of these options, and you can be confident that people eating alone want the same options, too.
Once you create the right atmosphere for solo diners, you'll need to train your staff on how to best approach these patrons.
Training Staff to Cater to People Eating Out Alone
People dine alone for many reasons, and some of the solo guests who enter your restaurant are eating alone for the first time in their lives. Naturally, you want to ensure that all of your guests, including solo diners, have a great experience.
It's important to train your staff to support guests who are going to a restaurant alone. How can you provide support?
- From the moment they arrive, make guests feel at ease. Don't assume that they will be meeting someone. Greet them with ,"Table for one?" It will alleviate the pressure and make them feel that dining alone is not out of the ordinary.
- Make sure your staff puts extra care into their service. Solo diners are often provided a lower level of service, but they should feel just as valued as any other customer. Have your staff ask questions to get a feel for what the customer is looking for and anticipate their needs. Check in often and ensure the guest's needs are catered to.
The key to providing a great experience is not to make any assumptions and to provide the same level of service any other party would receive.
Combined with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, your staff can make solo guests feel at ease and more inclined to return in the future.
Remember - many people say they dine alone to try new places. A solo diner today may return with a larger party in the future. Even if they do not, providing excellent service can increase the chance of gaining a new loyal customer.
Adjusting Your Menu for People Going Out to Eat Alone
One big advantage of catering to the solo dining crowd is that it supports sustainable practices. Guests who eat dinner alone generally want smaller portions, which helps reduce waste.
The great news is that it's easier than you think to adjust your menu for guests who are dining solo.
For example, you can offer:
- A tasting menu that will satisfy solo diners as well as guests with larger parties.
- Smaller single-serving potion options, so more diners finish their meals and fewer ask for takeaway containers.
- Offer more substantial portions of your most popular appetizers. Many solo diners order appetizers instead of a typical meal.
You don't necessarily have to make big menu changes to cater to guests who are eating out alone. A few simple tweaks can make your restaurant more appealing to solo diners.
Gathering Feedback to Continually Improve the Experience
Customer feedback can go a long way in preventing negative reviews and ensuring that you're providing solo diners with the best possible experience.
Make sure your staff checks in on these diners regularly to see if there is anything they need.
Poll customers on social media or through email to get their opinion on what you're doing right and what could be improved. Give them an incentive to provide their feedback by offering a discount on their next meal.
Final Thoughts
Today, there is much less of a stigma attached to eating by yourself, which provides an opportunity for restaurants to cater to this market. A few simple menu tweaks, staff training and creating the right atmosphere will make guests who are eating alone feel more comfortable in your restaurant.