Additional Coverage:
- Gen Z is bringing back one of the most divisive dining trends of the 2010s (businessinsider.com)
Gen Z Pulls Up a Chair: Communal Dining Makes a Comeback
Get ready to cozy up with some strangers, because communal dining, a trend often as polarizing as pineapple on pizza, is making a surprising comeback, thanks to Gen Z. Forget awkward silences and forced smiles; this generation is embracing shared tables as a prime spot for real-world connection in a digital age.
New data from online reservation giant Resy reveals that a whopping 90% of Gen Z diners are all about those shared tables, a stark contrast to just 60% of their Boomer counterparts. It seems the generation raised online is hungry for something more tangible, turning what was once a restaurant world punchline into a trendy social experiment.
“Share plates have become the new standard, especially among Gen Z, and communal tables are the perfect setting for that – they naturally turn dinner into a shared experience,” explains Pablo Rivero, CEO of Resy and Tock and Senior Vice President of Global Dining at American Express. “You never know who you’ll be seated next to; that’s the fun of it!”
And apparently, it is fun! Resy’s report found that 63% of respondents believe communal tables are great for meeting new people. Half reported interesting conversations with folks they otherwise wouldn’t have spoken to, one in three even made a new friend, and a lucky one in seven snagged a date!
While communal dining has had its moments in pop culture, often as the setup for cringe-worthy comedy in shows like “You’re the Worst” and “Portlandia,” Gen Z sees it differently. Michael Della Penna, chief strategy officer at InMarket, suggests that for a generation often grappling with anxiety, communal tables offer a social buffer. “You are benefiting, because it’s a group conversation, and you can add to that conversation in a safer way,” Della Penna notes, highlighting its appeal for those who might feel a bit shyer or “digital-only” for too long.
Beyond the social aspect, Della Penna points out other perks: shared plates can be more affordable, offer a low-risk way to try new flavors, and provide a better value than takeout. Plus, those long communal tables? They’re apparently perfect for social media-worthy photo ops.
Intimate, In-Person, and Built for Sharing
This isn’t the first time communal dining has surged. Donnie Madia, a celebrated Chicago restaurateur, recalls similar waves of popularity after periods of social disconnection, like post-9/11 and after the 2008 financial crisis.
“People wanted to be together. They wanted to be intimate, and to be in smaller spaces, and interaction was really important,” Madia, who even made an appearance on FX’s “The Bear,” shared.
In a post-COVID world and an era of rapid technological advancement, Gen Z’s embrace of communal dining seems to be part of a larger trend of seeking tangible, shared experiences that can’t be downloaded or filtered. This generation is also behind the rise of dinner parties and supper clubs, opting for intimate gatherings that offer connection and atmosphere without breaking the bank.
“Gen Z is driving a shift back toward communal dining because they crave experiences as much as meals,” says Ashley Mitchell, vice president of marketing for East Coast Wings + Grill and Sammy’s Sliders. “They grew up online, but they’re intentionally seeking real-world connection, and restaurants have become that gathering space again. For them, sharing a table isn’t just practical seating – it’s part of the social experience.”
So, next time you’re out, don’t be surprised if you find yourself sharing a table with a new generation eager to connect. Who knows, you might just make a new friend – or even land a date!
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- Gen Z is bringing back one of the most divisive dining trends of the 2010s (businessinsider.com)