Is 5 PM the New 8 PM? Dinner Time's SHOCKING Shift!

2025-09-20 00:00:18.265

Samantha Stobo, a Miami resident, prefers an early dinner, a habit that clashes with the leisurely Italian dinners she experienced on a recent trip. This preference, however, reflects a growing trend among younger generations in the US. Data from OpenTable reveals a significant increase in 5 PM dinner reservations, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials. This shift is attributed to various factors, including a return to office work, changing health priorities, and the difficulty of securing reservations at popular restaurants. The article explores the cultural shift in dining habits, contrasting the late-night dining traditions of European countries with the emerging preference for earlier meals in the US. While some lament the loss of the leisurely dinner experience, others embrace the efficiency and cost savings of early dining, highlighting the evolving nature of societal norms and rituals surrounding mealtimes.