Solo dining is having a moment in Virginia, with reservations for one up 13% year over year, per OpenTable data shared with Axios.
Why it matters: That growth might look like another sign of America’s loneliness epidemic. But many solo diners say eating alone offers a rare chance to slow down, reflect and savor the small stuff, reports the Washington Post.
Zoom in: Richmonders are increasingly embracing tables for one, too.
- Solo dining in metro Richmond increased by double digits year over year, OpenTable told Axios — the most granular local figure available.
- Virginia’s solo diners are spending more, too. The average spending per solo diner statewide rose 4% year over year.
Zoom out: Nationally, solo reservations jumped 23%, while average spending per solo diner rose 7% to $94 (versus $60 per person across all party sizes)…