The late-night dining and retail landscape has experienced significant changes since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with many establishments no longer offering 24-hour services. This shift has impacted a variety of businesses, from restaurants to supermarkets and gyms. The decline in 24-hour operations is attributed to changes in consumer habits, higher labor and food costs, and public safety concerns in some areas.
The restaurant industry has been particularly affected by the decrease in 24-hour service availability. According to Yelp data, the number of restaurants offering round-the-clock service has dropped significantly since 2020, with cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago seeing losses in the double digits. Factors such as earlier dinner times, reduced late-night drinking, and increased operating costs have all contributed to this decline.
Some breakfast-based chains, including IHOP, Denny’s, and Waffle House, are starting to rebound with around half to three-quarters of their locations now offering 24-hour service again. However, restaurateurs warn that maintaining 24/7 operations can be stressful and challenging due to staffing and cost issues. Businesses like Pete’s Kitchen in Denver have scaled back their hours to weekends only, citing the need for special events to drive late-night traffic.
The tight labor market and rising food costs have made it difficult for many businesses to sustain 24-hour operations, leading to reduced weekly operating hours and early closures in some cases. Public safety concerns in certain areas, such as Philadelphia, have also prompted businesses to close overnight to address crime and noise problems. Additionally, changes in consumer behavior, such as eating earlier and decreased alcohol consumption, have further impacted late-night dining demand.
The decline in 24-hour service availability reflects a broader cultural shift away from late-night dining and retail experiences. Late-night establishments like Mi Tierra in San Antonio have struggled to bring back round-the-clock operations as diners opt for earlier meal times and reduce late-night outings. The challenge for businesses like Mi Tierra is to find new ways to attract customers in an environment where late-night dining is no longer as popular as it once was. Overall, the decline in 24/7 service highlights the evolving nature of consumer habits and the challenges faced by businesses in the post-pandemic era.
