How can you create a restaurant that welcomes solo diners?

2 Create a friendly and attentive service

Another key factor for solo diners is the quality of service they receive. You want to make sure that your staff is friendly, attentive, and respectful, without being intrusive or patronizing. You can train your staff to greet solo diners warmly, check on them regularly, offer recommendations, and engage in casual conversation, if appropriate. You can also use technology, such as tablets, QR codes, or apps, to facilitate ordering, payment, and feedback, and to reduce waiting time and hassle.

3 Design a solo-friendly menu

A third aspect that can enhance the solo dining experience is the menu. You want to offer a menu that caters to the needs and preferences of solo diners, who may have different dietary restrictions, budgets, or appetites than groups. You can do this by offering a range of dishes, such as small plates, salads, soups, sandwiches, or bowls, that are easy to eat, share, or take away. You can also offer specials, discounts, or incentives for solo diners, such as free drinks, desserts, or loyalty programs.

4 Provide entertainment and ambiance

A fourth element that can make solo diners feel more welcome and comfortable is the entertainment and ambiance of your restaurant. You want to create a vibe that is lively, inviting, and cozy, without being too loud, crowded, or dark. You can do this by playing music, showing sports, or hosting events, such as trivia nights, live music, or wine tastings, that can attract and entertain solo diners. You can also provide amenities, such as Wi-Fi, magazines, books, or games, that can keep solo diners occupied and happy.

5 Promote a solo-friendly culture

A fifth and final tip is to promote a culture that celebrates and supports solo diners, both internally and externally. You want to show that your restaurant values and respects solo diners, and that they are not an afterthought or a nuisance. You can do this by featuring solo diners on your social media, website, or newsletter, by asking for their feedback and testimonials, and by encouraging them to join your community and network. You can also partner with other businesses, such as hotels, gyms, or co-working spaces, that cater to solo travelers, workers, or consumers, and offer them discounts, referrals, or cross-promotions.

By following these tips, you can create a restaurant that welcomes solo diners, and that can benefit from their loyalty, word-of-mouth, and spending power. Solo dining is not a fad, but a lifestyle choice, and you can tap into this market by creating a restaurant that meets their needs and expectations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?