I think there's a broader movement of self-love and self-care and really... enjoying your own company," OpenTable CEO Debby Soo told ABC News, adding that the rise in remote work may also be bolstering the trend.
The social norms have changed. People don't look at solo diners anymore and think, 'You must be a loner,'" she said.
Avant Garden, the upscale vegan eatery in the East Village, hired the restaurant consulting group Lightspeed to adapt their space and menu to the needs of solo diners - which restaurant owner Drew Brady says makes up about 8% of their customers.
While there may be a short-term loss there, I think we're kind of playing the long game and establishing ourselves as a place that's welcoming.
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