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Mother’s Day Insights: What Moms Really Want

As Mother’s Day approaches, a recent survey by OpenTable has shed light on the preferences of modern moms, revealing that many are looking for a well-deserved break rather than a meticulously planned celebration. With significant statistics indicating that 39% of mothers have taken the initiative to book their own celebratory meals, it’s clear that this year, the focus is on comfort and relaxation.

Expecting Less Stress

OpenTable's findings highlight a trend towards mothers craving a 'time out' during the holiday dedicated to celebrating them. Notably, 44% of respondents expressed that having someone else handle the arrangements is what truly makes the day special. This desire for minimal planning correlates with a broader cultural movement that emphasizes 'me time,' suggesting mothers are prioritizing personal enjoyment. Surprisingly, about 30% of mothers are contemplating dining alone as part of their Mother's Day festivities, showcasing a shift towards individual relaxation.

Early Celebrations for Maximized Relaxation

Interestingly, the timing of celebrations plays a crucial role for mothers. The data indicates that 46% wish to kick off their festivities early to allow more time for unwinding throughout the day. The trend is evident in the dining preferences from last year, where midday meals proved most popular. OpenTable’s data from 2024 illustrates a 10 AM brunch surge, marking a 19% growth year-over-year.

Scenic Views and Culinary Delights

When it comes to ambiance, 64% of mothers have a clear preference for dining venues that offer waterfront or scenic views. Restaurants featured on OpenTable's coveted Top 100 Brunch list deliver not just great food but also stunning backdrops, exemplified by locations like North Pond in Chicago and Mala Ocean Tavern in Hawaii.

Flavor is equally important; a striking 51% of mothers are leaning towards restaurants that offer a chef's tasting menu. The increasing popularity of this dining experience is supported by OpenTable research, which recorded a 29% year-over-year increase in dining experiences on Mother’s Day.

Brunch: The Centerpiece

Surprisingly, while brunch remains the main event, Mother’s Day celebrations are extending throughout the weekend. A vast 73% of mothers wish to have a family brunch, yet 66% of U.S. consumers indicated plans to celebrate multiple times over the holiday weekend, whether solo, with family, or friends. The data reflects a modern Mother's Day wherein the emphasis is on shared experiences and personal enjoyment.

The Call for Early Reservations

Cheryl Paniagua, VP of Restaurant Sales Services at OpenTable, points out the necessity for families to plan ahead this year. The pressure of last-minute bookings has become increasingly evident, with 29% of families reportedly scrambling to secure reservations in less than a 24-hour notice. The utilization of OpenTable's 'Notify Me' alert system has soared by 36% year-over-year, underscoring this urgency. To truly celebrate mothers in style, it’s recommended to consult OpenTable's annual Top 100 Brunch list, which serves as a great starting point for stress-free meal planning.

Top 100 Brunch Restaurants for 2025

This year’s Mother’s Day is projected to be among the busiest dining days, making the competition for finding the ideal table fiercer than ever. OpenTable’s annual round-up of the Top 100 Brunch Restaurants in America is intended to guide families through these dining options, evaluating more than ten million diner reviews alongside various metrics, including ratings and reservation demand. Not surprisingly, California dominates with 22 brunch spots, followed by New York with 12 restaurants ensuring delightful dining experiences.

Highlighting a few popular venues includes:

• - California: Baltaire in Los Angeles, North Pond in Chicago, and Elena's in San Francisco.
• - New York: Little Owl and The Odeon, both beloved by locals and visitors alike.
• - Florida: Ulele in Tampa and MILA Miami Beach.

OpenTable continues to be a vital player in the restaurant tech space, uniting diners with memorable culinary experiences nationwide. As we approach this special day, let’s celebrate mothers by giving them the much-deserved respite and unforgettable dining experiences they truly desire.