The Trend in Brief A recent report by reservation platform Resy finds that 90% of Generation Z diners say they enjoy eating at communal tables — long
The Trend in Brief
A recent report by reservation platform Resy finds that 90% of Generation Z diners say they enjoy eating at communal tables — long benches or large-shared tables seating multiple (often unrelated) parties. By contrast, only 60% of Baby Boomers said the same.
This signals more than a seating configuration change — it reflects how younger diners are redefining the eating-out experience.
Why Gen Z Loves It
Here are the key reasons why communal tables appeal strongly to Gen Z:
Connection over isolation: Raised in an online world and shaped by the social restrictions of the pandemic, many Gen Z diners crave in-person connection and real-world social interaction. Communal tables provide a “structured socialness” — you dine with others next to you, but without the formal pressure of a one-on-one meeting.
Shared experience & discovery: Long tables often go with “share plates”, group orders or menus designed for multiple people. That fits Gen Z’s preference for experience-based dining, variety and discovery rather than just eating. News+1
Affordability & atmosphere: Sitting at a communal table often means more economical seating, access to popular venues, and a lively communal vibe — aspects valued by younger diners.
Breaking norms and boundaries: For many young people, the inherent awkwardness or novelty of sharing a table with strangers is part of the appeal. One in five surveyed claimed they’ve “met someone new” at such a table; about one in seven said they’d even scored a date.
Boomers & the Generational Divide
Why the difference between Gen Z and older generations? A few factors:
Older diners often value privacy, intimate tables, and less external social interaction.
Boomers grew up in a dining culture where private tables, quiet meals and control of seating were standard.
For Gen Z, communal tables align with their social fluency and flexibility—but for older diners, it may feel more intrusive.
What It Means for Restaurants & Diners
Restaurant design adapting: More venues are offering long communal benches, fewer individual tables, and menus designed for communal ordering. Space-utilisation benefits go side-by-side with social benefits.
Social crossover: Communal dining blurs the line between dining and social event. It becomes less about “just eating” and more about “being together while eating”.
New etiquette norms: Shared tables bring their own social rules — about how much to interact, what behaviour is acceptable, how diners navigate strangers next to them.
Implications for marketing/targeting: For brands and restaurants aiming at Gen Z, communal dining tables become a unique selling point. “Come to meet, share and be seen” can be as important as “come to eat”.
What It Says About Gen Z Lifestyle
They prioritise experience over consumption. Dining is no longer only about the food—it’s about who, where, how and with whom.
They seek belonging and interaction, even in physical spaces, not just online. Communal tables enable spontaneous connection.
They tolerate more uncertainty and openness—being seated next to strangers, maybe making new friends, maybe just sharing the space.
At the same time, they’re rejecting rigid formalities and boundaries—traditional table etiquette is being redefined.
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