Sitting With Strangers When You Go Out To Eat In Utah Is A Growing Trend

A new trend may have your favorite restaurant removing booths and replacing their seating with long tables. If you find this development off-putting, you are probably not young and single.

How to Meet People and Socialize When Everything is Digital 

Gen Z grew up in a digital world that makes it hard to actually meet strangers. They went through the pandemic that isolated them even more. Now they are driving a trend that makes a restaurant look more like the school cafeteria. 

It is called communal dining, and it looks like seating that puts you close to strangers. This generation is looking for a social experience when they go out to eat. It is like a crowded bar where you squeeze into any available seat. 

New Restaurant Designs are Changing How We Sit 

You may see a trend towards longer tables in the center of the restaurant while the seating around the sides still gives a chance for more privacy. There are also bar-like sections that aren’t serving drinks, just a more community feel for the patrons. 

Right now, this set up doesn’t appeal to older restaurant goers, but this may change as it becomes more established. If you are looking for a chance to socialize, this new trend might be just the thing. 

Read More: Eat Like Its the 90s in this Southern Utah “Food Challenge”

Personally, I have found myself uncomfortable in the few places I have been with a more communal feel. I didn’t realize why until I learned about communal dining.