Menu, Seating Options, and Service Cater to Parties of One
“Table for one, please” is more commonplace now that a recent Study of Hospitality report by Lightspeed revealed at least 45 percent of Americans are dining solo at restaurants. Shawarma Press, the nation’s first authentic Shawarma franchise, has noticed the trend at its seven locations and is implementing strategies to enhance the experience for individuals dining alone. With restaurants located in metropolitan areas, including a flagship location near Dallas-Fort Worth airport, Shawarma Press serves travelers, locals, and tourists who are more frequently dining alone.
“We recognize the needs of customers looking for a good spot to catch up on work or relax while not being disturbed,” said Sawsan Abublan, CEO and co-founder of Shawarma Press. “We cater to them by offering a wide range of seating options, including intimate booths and counter seating designed to make solo diners feel more comfortable and engaged.”
In addition to comfortable seating, menu options offer a variety of selections suitable for solo diners, including entrees for diverse dietary preferences.
“In addition to travelers, we have noticed another reason some people are choosing to dine alone is because they have specific dietary requirements or preferences,” explained Abublan. “The Mediterranean Diet is routinely recognized as the healthiest diet in the world, so we serve many customers who say they are looking for healthier food. For some, physicians have recommended a Mediterranean Diet, while others say eating healthier is a form of self-care.”
Welcoming and embracing solo diners is also addressed in employee training, according to Abublan. All staff members are trained to provide attentive service so that solo diners feel valued, which often translates into “regulars” who patronize the restaurants several times a week.
As for the broader trend of solo dining, Abublan believes several factors are contributing to its rise. The increasing pace of modern life means many people are dining alone more frequently, whether due to busy schedules, work commitments, or personal preferences.
“We are seeing a growing acceptance and normalization of solo activities, which extends to dining,” Abublan said. “Solo dining can offer a sense of freedom and personal time, allowing individuals to enjoy their meals without the constraints of group dynamics. Overall, we believe this trend reflects a shift towards more personalized and flexible dining experiences, and we are committed to adapting to meet the needs of all our guests.”
Since opening the first restaurant at its headquarters in Irving, Texas, in 2017, award-winning Shawarma Press is the nation’s first authentic shawarma franchise. The brand is rapidly expanding with multiple locations in Texas and Georgia, including several operating in Walmart stores in Plano, San Antonio, Georgetown, and Arlington, as well as a flagship store in downtown Dallas and a new location in metropolitan Atlanta in Johns Creek. Shawarma Press plans to open as many as 50 locations throughout the country in the next five years. For information about franchising, visit ShawarmaPressFranchise.com.
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