Walking into a restaurant and asking for a table for one can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but it is more common than you might expect. In fact, in recent years, it has become extremely popular among adults to enjoy meals alone, whether in a big restaurant or a cosy cafe.
As this trend continues to grow, it’s important to consider how to create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for solo diners. If you’re wondering how to create a welcoming environment for your solo guests, you’re in the right place. Here are four ways to enhance the solo dining experience at your restaurant.
Create Combined Seating Options
Seating a solo diner at a table for four can make them uncomfortable and make them realise more that they are alone. You must avoid making a single guest feel like a loner by giving them more space than they need. Instead, offer a modern approach: communal seating. Think of long picnic tables or rows of tables and benches. This setup shows that you welcome every hungry customer, whether they come alone or with a group.
Barside seating is another great option, but not all restaurants have the space for it. You can create a similar experience by placing a long, high-top table against a window with a view. This gives solo diners something interesting to look at and makes their dining experience feel more relaxed and less lonely.
Offer Small Portions
A sharing menu isn’t ideal for solo diners. They can’t split the dishes with anyone, and it’s too much food for one person at a reasonable price. So, how can you solve this challenge? The answer is – tasting menus.
Tasting menus are perfect for solo guests. With a variety of small plates, they can enjoy a full dining experience without feeling limited to just a couple of appetisers or a single main course. This option allows solo diners to explore a wider range of flavours and dishes, enhancing their overall dining experience. Instead of feeling restricted, they get the chance to savour multiple offerings, making their visit more enjoyable and memorable.
By offering a tasting menu, you cater to the needs of all your guests, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied, whether they’re dining alone or with a group. It’s also important to have an attractive menu that will entice the solo diners as well as a large group. Make sure you have an appealing menu designed and printed by experts.
Offer Your Restaurant as a Convenient Workspace
One of the best ways to make your restaurant more appealing is to offer it as a comfortable workspace with free Wi-Fi, charging stations, etc. This facility attracts busy professionals who can use the fast internet to catch up on emails or work while enjoying a drink or a meal in a relaxed environment.
Free Wi-Fi makes your restaurant an amazing alternative to crowded cafes and coffee shops. Professionals can use the connection to maximise their productivity during their visit, making your restaurant a perfect spot for a work break.
Moreover, introduce portable charging stations to “re-charge” your business. As guests stay longer to charge their devices, your staff can seize the opportunity to offer additional items. A simple “Would you like to see the dessert menu while you’re waiting?” can easily turn into a delicious upsell, such as a slice of Classic Cheese Cake.
Providing these amenities creates an inviting atmosphere for customers to transform your restaurant into an impromptu workspace. This increases the average dining time and attracts a new and valuable client base that can lead you towards winning a renowned restaurant award like the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA).
Be Careful of Your Language
Reevaluating how you communicate with single diners can significantly impact their experience at your restaurant. The right words can make all the difference. Wondering what not to say to your solo diners?
When a customer arrives alone, asking, “Just one?” can unintentionally sound disrespectful. Instead, let the guest speak first and ask if they have a seating preference. They might choose the bar, a quiet corner for some alone time, or a centre table to people-watch. Whatever their choice, be mindful of your words and tone, and try not to make assumptions.
Final Thoughts
Enhancing the solo dining experience is a considerate approach and a smart business move. By implementing the abovementioned strategies, you can create a welcoming environment for solo diners. These changes can transform your restaurant into a preferred destination for those dining alone, making them loyal towards you and encouraging them to visit again.
Embracing this growing trend can help your business thrive, as it will lead to increased customer satisfaction. Remember, every guest, whether dining solo or in a group, deserves an exceptional dining experience.
