More people are treating themselves to a solo meal

"By the numbers: Nearly 70% of solo diners decline to use discounts, despite higher food prices and recession fears. Roughly a quarter say they're satisfying a specific craving, often snacks or drinks, per the report. Solo orders now make up 47% of fast-food trips - compared to 31% in 2021. And at full-service restaurants, reservations for one jumped 22% in the third quarter of 2025 from the same time a year earlier, Toast data shows."

"The latest: Food traditionally meant for sharing, like pizza and wings, is "being redesigned for one," according to Yum Brands' report. Personal-size pizzas tested especially well among Gen Z and millennials in 2025. Reality check: Eating out solo may be on the rise, but single diners represented less than 1% of total booked reservations in Q3, Toast researchers found. People are still sharing meals, which research links to happiness."

More people are skipping group meals to treat themselves and solo dining is increasing across dining formats. Nearly 70% of solo diners decline discounts despite higher food prices and recession fears, and about a quarter of solo orders satisfy specific cravings like snacks or drinks. Solo orders now comprise 47% of fast-food trips, up from 31% in 2021, and reservations for one at full-service restaurants rose 22% in Q3 2025. Foods traditionally meant for sharing are being redesigned as single-serve items, with personal-size pizzas testing especially well among Gen Z and millennials. Single-diner reservations remained under 1% in Q3.

Read at Axios