Eating dinner before the usual hour is often associated with the elderly who are no longer occupied by work commitments or rush hour traffic. Additionally, seniors often have a pattern of heading to bed early and prefer to have the time to fully digest their meal before rest.

The unexpected alteration of the American way of life means that the older generation and Gen Zers are vying for dinner reservations at their local eatery around 5 p.m. A recent article in The Wall Street Journal illustrates the ever-growing numbers of diners opting to eat out earlier.

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, referencing Yelp statistics, only 5% of patrons were dining out within a 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. time frame in 2019 - however this percentage has since risen to 10%. Moreover, Uber rides to restaurants are increasing from 4 p.m.through 5 p.m., with a 10% augment, and diminishing after 8 p.m. with a 9% decrement.

RESY has noted that the 5:30 p.m. dinner reservation scene in New York City is on the rise, having gone from 7.75% to 8.31% within the course of the last two years. Conversely, reservations made at 8 p.m. have dipped from 8.31% to 7.8%.

Why have Americans been so weary lately to the point that they are beginning to behave like their grandparents? Is TV viewing now preferred over hanging out with friends late at night? The Rob Report chalks it up to the rise in hybrid work. 34% of people are now working mostly from home, meaning they can go out far earlier than before. Add that to the fact that spending the entire day at home makes it so appealing to head out and get some food as soon as possible.

Broadway has adopted to the recent pattern by facilitating its shows at an earlier time of day. Movie theaters also yielded to the new early-risers trend by increasing screenings during the day and discontinuing those showing up late in the evening.

Devorah Lev-Tov of RESY New York commends the transformation. She explains, “In the past, we might've chuckled at the thought of having an early supper with the elderly or hearing the cries of children. But now, 5 o'clock or 5:30 p.m. is my go-to for dining out... And I’m not the only one,” Lev-Tov remarks.

Studies indicate that this new alteration in the American lifestyle could have positive effects on the health of our population.

A Cell Metabolism research paper revealed that people who eat all their meals within 10 hours and end evening meals in the earlier hours tend to be less hungry, process calories more quickly and decrease their risk of obesity.

This quick transition of American feeding practices outlines how sometimes even long-established customs can unexpectedly become completely different. The query staying up is, if brunch suddenly becomes presentable at 7:30 a.m., is that breakfast? Savoring champagne so early appears extremely impolite. Even though, this may alter, too.