Gen Z is reviving one of the restaurant world’s most polarizing traditions: communal dining. Once mocked in pop culture, shared tables are now embraced by 90% of Gen Z diners, compared to just 60% of boomers, according to Resy.
Gen Z and Communal Dining
For a generation raised online but craving real-world connection, sitting with strangers offers a safe way to socialize, share plates, and even spark friendships or dates. Restaurateurs note similar surges after past crises, from 9/11 to the 2008 financial crash, when people sought intimacy and community. In the post-COVID era, communal dining reflects Gen Z’s broader push toward tangible experiences — from supper clubs to flip phones — as they trade isolation for connection, affordability, and atmosphere.
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