Solo dining has been gaining steam, or so suggest findings from OpenTable, which noted that reservations for parties of one have increased by 62 percent nationally over the last two years.
One is now the “fastest-growing table party size,” according to the restaurant-reservations company.
This shows the stigma around solo dining may be dissipating, OpenTable says, adding that consumers are now more willing to seek out unique dining experiences on their own.
"As dining out has become one of our national pastimes, solo diners are taking every opportunity to visit top restaurants whenever they get the opportunity, much as they might attend a sporting event or show," said Caroline Potter, chief dining officer at OpenTable. "Solo dining is about treating yourself to a delicious experience and savoring every bite. From communal and counter seating to doting table service, restaurants are welcoming parties of one with open arms."
Solo reservations particularly took off in urban areas, OpenTable says, with Dallas, Miami, Denver, New York, Philadelphia, Las Vegas and Chicago seeing the greatest growth.
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