Local Haunts in the Digital Age: A New Wave of Community Building
In a time when digital interactions often replace face-to-face connections, many young Americans are rediscovering the charm of their neighborhood hangouts. Clara Greenstein, a resident of Queens, New York, exemplifies this trend. She spends several nights a week at The Seneca, a local bar known for its pool table and affordable burgers. “I get a free hamburger every week and get to basically have office hours for all my friends,” she shares. It’s a place where she always encounters familiar faces, providing a sense of community that streaming services and social media can’t offer.
The shift in focus from exclusive reservations and viral food trends to local haunts is not just about nostalgia. It’s about finding a personal version of “Cheers” or “Central Perk,” where everybody knows your name. The term “regularmaxxing,” coined by a user on X, captures this sentiment, as frequenting the same cafe has brought about life-changing connections for some.
Restaurants and Tech: Bridging the Gap
Tech companies are tapping into this desire for regularity by creating loyalty programs that connect diners with their favorite spots. Ben Leventhal, cofounder of Resy, launched Blackbird, an app that rewards frequent diners. “The connectivity between restaurants and guests has in many ways broken down in the technology age,” Leventhal explains. His app aims to foster closer ties between restaurants and patrons.
OpenTable data reveals that more than half of Americans consider themselves regulars at local dining spots, visiting three to four times monthly. Yet, Gen Z lags behind previous generations in establishing such habits. With the restaurant industry facing challenges like empty tables, loyalty programs have become crucial. The National Restaurant Association’s 2025 report highlights that loyalty initiatives are prevalent even in fine dining, with many businesses reporting increased traffic as a result.
The Evolution of Loyalty Programs
Major chains have long utilized loyalty apps, with Starbucks and Dunkin’ offering rewards for purchases. While some programs focus on collecting customer data, others, like Starbucks, are reintroducing personal touches such as hand-written messages on cups to enhance customer interaction. Meanwhile, loyalty is not always rewarded in other sectors, where costs can rise over time.
It’s an opportunity in this non-digital, analog renaissance to centralize living.
Payton Tysinger, 26
Connecting Beyond the App
While tech-driven perks are enticing, some of the most meaningful connections occur naturally. Lynne Miller, a marketing professional in Ontario, set a goal to become a regular somewhere. Her choice, Holly’s Neighbourhood Cafe & Bar, has provided her with a sense of belonging, far beyond Instagram-worthy moments. “It’s not for the ‘Gram,” she states. “It’s because you actually crave a real-life community experience and connection.”
Allison Memmo’s story at Humble Parlor, a Philadelphia brewery, further illustrates this community spirit. She became a regular, watching Phillies games and participating in friendly competitions. Her engagement led to personal connections, including meeting her partner. Such experiences highlight the value of showing up consistently and investing in local relationships.
In a world that once prioritized introversion and digital entertainment, many are now embracing the benefits of being a regular. This trend represents a shift towards valuing human connection and community building through everyday interactions. As Payton Tysinger puts it, the focus is on “the nitty gritty of being a human being,” emphasizing the importance of being present in the real world.
