Ten years ago, eating alone in public felt like wearing a sign that said, “I have no friends.” People would either hide behind a book or desperately scroll through their phones to look busy. Now? People post videos of their solo meals on TikTok. It’s the new flex.
This shift isn’t just about restaurants. More people are living alone and cooking elaborate meals for themselves. They’re buying nice plates, using their “good” wine glasses, and making it an experience rather than scarfing down leftovers over the sink.
The reasons behind this change are pretty clear. People are getting married later. They’re moving to new cities for work. And let’s be honest – after two years of a pandemic, eating alone doesn’t seem like such a big deal anymore.
Some older folks see eating alone as a sign that society is falling apart. They remember when families sat down together every night at 6 PM sharp for pot roast and mandatory conversation. But that view misses the point. People still eat together – they don’t feel pressured to do it all the time.
The truth is, eating alone has become just another choice in modern life. Sometimes, you want to catch up with friends over tacos, and sometimes, you want to sit at a bar with your burger and watch the game. Both are fine.
What’s weird is how long it took for this to become normal. Because really, what’s the big deal about eating when you’re hungry, whether someone else is free or not?
Eating alone isn’t about being antisocial. It’s about being honest. Sometimes, lunch alone with your thoughts is better than forced small talk. Sometimes, you need to treat yourself to dinner after a long day. And now, finally, nobody cares.
We have a lot of interesting insights, podcasts and blogs on our Knowledge Hub. Here’s a blog that takes a different stance on dining alone.
Crafted Kitchen operates as an incubator-style shared-use kitchen in the Arts District of Los Angeles. We help food entrepreneurs prepare for greatness. Looking to step up your small food business? Let’s talk.
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