Recent findings reveal that a growing number of Americans are opting to dine alone, though it seems this trend isn’t primarily motivated by loneliness.
A report from Yum Brands, which owns Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut, shows that orders for solo meals have surged since 2021. Their 2026 Food Trends Report highlights a 52% increase in solo dining orders, which now represent 47% of visits to quick-service restaurants, a considerable rise from 31% just four years ago.
Ken Muench, Yum Brands’ chief marketing officer, mentioned that “in an unpredictable world, consumers are looking for moments of control.” He explained that food has become an accessible means to regain that sense of control.
Data from restaurant software company Toast indicates that full-service restaurant reservations climbed by 22% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year. This shift appears to stem more from self-care and personal preference rather than loneliness or financial constraints.
Yum Brands reports that approximately 24% of solo diners dine alone to meet personal needs and often don’t utilize discounts. Moreover, over half of these diners spend between $10 to $30 or even more per outing, revealing a willingness to spend more when eating solo.
Interesting changes are occurring in the types of food being offered. Dishes typically meant for sharing—like pizza and chicken wings—are now being revamped for individual servings, which have proven especially popular among Gen Z and Millennials over the past year.
Also noteworthy is the rise of specialty drinks, with 43% of these beverages being purchased independently of any food, suggesting a small treat mentality.
Describing this trend, Yum Brands calls it the “me-me-me economy,” where consumers are shaping their diets around personal expression and autonomy. Crystal Griffin, CEO of ClassPop, a Florida-based platform for various classes, emphasized that today’s consumers seek ownership and flexibility in their dining experiences.
“What was once considered unconventional is now seen as intentional and empowering,” Griffin noted. This perspective allows individuals to manage their time, operate within their comfort zones, and select exactly what and where to eat.
A rising trend of “solo dates” is emerging, where individuals sign up for activities like cooking classes, with ClassPop forecasting a 55% rise in this habit starting in 2024.
Gail Saltz, an associate professor of psychiatry at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, commented on the diminishing stigma surrounding solo dining. She explained that, for many, eating out remains a significant enjoyment. Despite current emotional and economic pressures, these solitary moments can provide a much-needed break from stress.
However, she cautioned that while enjoying solo meals is fine, it’s beneficial to foster deeper connections with others, particularly as loneliness seems to be on the rise across various demographics.
Saltz added that establishments facilitating comfortable solo dining experiences could broaden their audience in the future. Despite the upward trend, solo diners still make up a small portion of overall reservations at full-service restaurants.
According to researchers at Toast, solo diners accounted for less than 1% of all bookings in the third quarter. While group dining remains prevalent and is associated with enhanced happiness, there’s a clear indication that more Americans are becoming increasingly at ease creating dining experiences that match their own preferences.
