Commensality research in commercial hospitality: A systematic review

As socialities evolve in the digital world, the appositeness of various established concepts in fields like hospitality research can be challenged. This paper explores one of such concept, commensality, a form of sociality that is familiar and conventional in food and beverage venues like restaurants. This first systematic review on the topic positions the notion within commercial hospitality-related research, with findings suggesting a lack of common lexicon and theoretical underpinnings. Commensal practices are frequently used to create contrast with practices like solo dining, while its most common instances in hospitality venues are implicitly oversimplified and their benefits overstated. With both practical and theoretical implications in mind, we call for scholars to contribute towards a more critical and unified conceptualization of commensal practices in commercial hospitality contexts.