The late-night dining industry has seen a significant decline in options since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with many restaurants, supermarkets, and other businesses cutting back on their operating hours. This trend is especially evident in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, where the number of 24-hour eateries has decreased significantly. The slow recovery of late-night service can be attributed to changes in consumer habits, earlier dinner times, and increased labor and food costs, which have led many businesses to close earlier than they did pre-pandemic.
Despite the challenges faced by the industry, some breakfast-based chains are beginning to rebound, with popular chains like IHOP, Denny’s, and Waffle House offering 24-hour service at many of their locations. However, restaurateurs warn that operating 24/7 is a risky endeavor, requiring significant resources and planning to be successful. Staffing graveyard shifts has always been a challenge, and with higher labor and food costs, many businesses are finding it difficult to justify staying open late.
Public safety concerns have also played a role in the decline of late-night dining options in some cities, with businesses being forced to close earlier to address crime and noise issues. In Philadelphia, for example, a recent bill passed by the city council requires businesses in one neighborhood to close overnight to reduce these problems. Additionally, consumer behaviors have changed since the pandemic, with many people now eating earlier and choosing to skip alcohol, which has affected demand for late-night dining options.
The decline in late-night dining has been felt across the country, with iconic establishments like Mi Tierra in San Antonio experiencing a shift in demand. The restaurant, known for its Tex-Mex cuisine and Mariachi band, has not brought back 24-hour service since the pandemic, as people are eating dinner earlier and not staying out as late. Owner Pete Cortez is considering alternative options, such as a food truck, to attract interest and bring back the energy that once fueled late-night dining. Ultimately, the future of late-night dining remains uncertain, with restaurateurs and consumers alike facing ongoing challenges in a changing industry landscape.
