Gen Z is setting a trend for dinners at 6pm

Gen Z has been known for many trends, and still continues to set new trends each day. As a generation that has already made a mark for being in a state of “planned chaos”, it is no surprise that the latest trend set is about time management. Research shows that Gen Z has been changing the dinner time trends starting around the UK, carrying the meal time to 6pm (OpenTable). It is also according to OpenTable that this trend is mostly due to wanting more time in the day after dinner. 

What benefits are Gen Z gaining from early dinner time?

Getting into the work force, focusing on fitness, saving money, and having more time– these are all factors that play into having an earlier dinner time for Gen Z. To elaborate, leaving work around 5pm and having dinner after already takes out a huge portion of the day out of the way, hence there is more time at one’s hands. It is also considered healthier to halt heavy eating after 8pm to ease night time digestion. In London, there are even discounts for tables reserved at such early times.

With this trend in place, there is consequential more productivity one gets from the day. As socializing, budget awareness, healthy choices, and self-care all come together during a “6pm dinner”, this trend is making its place to stay, since this trend has been rising since late 2024 already. OpenTable reports there is +8% to +11% more reservations for 6pm dinners, and 71% is driven by Gen Z. 

Image by Josh Wilburne via Unsplash