A nationwide trend is emerging in the US restaurant industry as Americans spend more time alone than ever before. According to data from the National Restaurant Association, 74% of all restaurant traffic now comes from customers taking food off premises, up from 61% pre-pandemic.
One small Mexican restaurant in North Carolina has adapted to this shift by reconfiguring its bar into a silent depot for customers to grab food to eat at home. The restaurant’s general manager, Rae Mosher, expressed sadness about the change, citing the need for customers and staff to communicate more due to the proliferation of to-go bags.
This phenomenon is not unique to this one restaurant. Across the country, businesses are struggling to adapt to the changing social landscape and increasing emphasis on solo activities. As Americans prioritize their personal space and comfort, the traditional bar hangout – once a hub for socialization – has been reimagined as a convenient takeaway service.
The impact of this trend is far-reaching, affecting not only restaurants but also personalities, politics, and relationships with reality itself.
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/02/american-loneliness-personality-politics/681091