Online searches are surging for restaurant value deals as American consumers keep a close eye on their bank accounts in 2025. Meanwhile, solo-dining searches are on the upswing, too, and customers with extra money to spend are looking for a dining experience, not just a good meal.
That’s according to a new report from Yelp released last week. Although Yelp’s state-of-the-industry report encompasses the entire restaurant industry—not just the Pizza Community—it proves, for starters, that major chains like Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Papa Johns and Marco’s Pizza know exactly what they’re doing as they continue rolling out meal deal after meal deal in the so-called “pizza wars.”
Here’s a look at the report’s findings and some ideas for making sure your pizzeria gives potential customers what they’re searching for.
Budget-Friendly Dining
“With inflation and rising living costs, diners are prioritizing affordability and value, driving an increase in searches for budget-friendly dining,” the Yelp report states.
Yelp analyzed consumer searches from January to March 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024. The data shows a marked increase in online searches for budget-friendly dining choices. Searches for “meal deal” are up 117%, while searches for “value meal” and “cheap eats” climbed 22% and 21% respectively.
The upshot: Independent pizzerias need to offer value-focused meals or bundles for their customers because that’s what customers want and the big chains know it. Maybe it’s a lunchtime slice and a salad, a two-slice meal with a beverage, or high-value delivery or carryout specials that bundle an extra-large pizza with wings. Tout an “Anti-Inflation Special” as a response to rising prices or develop a separate mini-menu section with lower-cost items (mini calzones, personal-size flatbreads, value pasta bowls, etc).
You can even offer a post-9 p.m. special to lure in night owls, service industry workers and college kids, or a value combo deal where a portion of the proceeds goes to support a local cause that your customers care about.
Party of One
Here’s another data point to keep in mind: Not every customer has a family, significant other or friends to dine out with. Maybe they even like eating alone. According to Yelp, searches for “solo dining” have skyrocketed by 271%, along with queries for “the best place to eat alone,” which are up by 150%.
“This marks a significant cultural shift in how consumers view dining out—not simply as a social activity, but also as a personal treat or break amidst everyday routines,” Yelp noted. “Some restaurants have responded by redesigning their spaces—introducing bar seating, communal tables and counter-service models that make solo diners feel welcome rather than isolated.”
Indeed, pizza might be the ultimate communal food, but offering an inclusive, low-pressure experience for a party of one makes good business sense. Independents might consider adding some “Pizza for One” menu options featuring personal-size pies, half-calzones or a single slice-and-side combo with a drink.
Another possibility: Build up your slowest nights with a weekly promotion called “Me Time Mondays” or “Solo Slice Night” with menu offerings that are “handcrafted for you and you alone.” Promote these offers via your loyalty program, text messages and social media. Make it clear to these customers that they will feel comfortable—and get a little extra attention—when they drop in at your pizzeria on a slower night without a passel of pals or kiddos. And who knows? They might meet a new best friend to dine out with on Saturday night, and your pizzeria will naturally be their first choice.
Immersive Dining
Money might be tight, but many restaurant customers want more than just a meal—they want an immersive dine-in experience, the Yelp report found. “Diners are seeking options that justify their spend by bringing together entertainment, storytelling and memorable settings into their dining experience,” the report states. “Searches for unique dining experiences such as ‘Le Petit Chef’ (up 509%), ‘hibachi catering’ (up 55%), ‘Medieval Times’ (up 40%), ‘chef’s table’ (up 36%), and ‘pop-up restaurant’ (up 14%), have all risen during the time period.”
Here’s an example of a Le Petit Chef experience at Criollo Restaurant in New Orleans.
Independent pizzeria leaders like Robert’s Pizza and Dough Co. in Chicago and Katie’s in St. Louis have stayed ahead of the curve when it comes to offering immersive dining experiences during traditionally slow periods of the year. They offer dressy, multi-course nighttime dinners—perfect for couples or groups of friends with money to spend—spotlighting cuisines not typically offered in a pizzeria setting, such as a journey through the Orient or the vibrant flavors of Latin America.
As Dana Hokin, co-owner of Robert’s, told PMQ earlier this year, “We wanted to introduce this dinner party experience, if you will, at the restaurant. But it’s also a way to take a particular location or particular types of cuisine and reimagine them on pizza. And it’s a way to have our guests come in and try cuisine that they may not normally gravitate towards, but because it’s pizza—“Alright, let me try it. Let me try this foie gras pizza. You know, I’m never going to eat foie gras, but it’s on a pizza, so let me try it.”
Related: How Robert’s Pizza Filled Seats for the Holidays and into Spring 2025
The Yelp report concludes: “The restaurant industry is experiencing rapid change as economic realities and evolving consumer preferences are reshaping dining habits. Yelp data from the last year illustrates that affordability and value are now at the forefront of dining decisions, while solo dining and immersive experiences are gaining steam. Restaurants that understand and anticipate these changes—embracing value, experience and operational innovation—will be well positioned to meet the expectations of the modern diner.”
