This Fall: Bring Back the Business Lunch

Fall has arrived in Grapevine, and the temperatures have settled into a cool…umm… 95°F. Okay, what the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex lacks in a crisp fall, it makes up for in beautiful conditions in October and November for getting outside. This year, the Grapevine Economic Development has a challenge for you: go out for lunch.

“Americans are still navigating a return to their offices and, to a lesser extent, a return to norms,” says Steven Jones, Senior Business Engagement Manager with Grapevine Economic Development. “The last few years have reshaped our habits on the macro and micro levels, and those sacred interpersonal times have been lost in the process. That’s a shame, because taking time to get away and enjoy a good meal accomplishes so much. It’s a great reset for anyone, and an excellent opportunity to support local businesses. Our department is looking to create more space for interpersonal moments in the year ahead, and we hope others will join us.”

You heard it here first: the business lunch is back on-trend. From teams bonding over buffets to mentors guiding mentees over meatballs, it’s time to leave the office and share information over a good meal. Fortunately, Grapevine has plenty of places to do just that.

There are also workplace advantages to employers and employees in taking lunch. Here’s how you can make a difference by stepping away from your desk each day. 

The American Workplace is Hangry 

The business lunch isn’t just disappearing because teams are bringing box lunches from home. It has become less common because people aren’t taking lunch at all. One report found 51% of workers skip lunch at least once per week because they say they don’t have time. People feel pressured to accept meeting invites during their lunch breaks or work during lunch to seem productive to their boss.

In the short run, skipping lunch might make you look like a dedicated employee. In the long run, it makes you less effective. Check out some of these statistics:

• 84% of employees say they experience “hanger” on the job, becoming irritable and less focused when they are hungry. 
• 43% of hangry workers take longer to complete tasks. 
• 38% of hangry workers are more blunt with their peers or avoid interacting with them.

This data supports the report that 94% of employees say a lunch break boosts their performance. When you don’t eat, you are less productive, more likely to make mistakes, and more likely to face interpersonal conflicts because of your “hanger” or colleague avoidance. 

Sharing Meals Builds Community

Sharing lunch with colleagues can have lasting impacts that improve communication and collaboration. Researchers continue to study the power of sharing meals and how it brings people together. Eating lunch together allows for informal communication and bonding. Coworkers can complain about the local sports team and talk about weekend plans in low-stress environments, helping them build connections they rely on the next time they’re in a meeting together.

The reality is that casually breaking bread – whether ordering from a nearby food truck or heading out for Taco Tuesday – can bring teams together better than almost any corporate ice-breaker activity. Stepping away from work gives employees a chance to rest their minds, while the conversations during their lunch breaks build personal bonds. 

Managers Create a Culture of Lunch

So how can business owners and managers tap into the power of lunch? It starts with your company culture. When leaders prioritize lunch and let employees know they are encouraged to take their full hour, teams are less likely to skip meals, scarf snacks at their desk, and hide lunch breaks from each other. Here are a few best practices to consider:

• Discourage scheduling noon meetings. Bonus points if the half hours around lunch (11:30 to 1:30) are also off-limits. 
• Create team outings. Consider setting up a weekly or alt-weekly lunch outing with your employees or peers. This creates a dedicated time for socializing. 
• A little micromanaging is okay. If you notice your employees are trying to skip lunch, encourage them to take time away. They might think skipping lunch will impress you. 
• Lead by example. Take your lunch break and invite others to join you. Make sure even lower-level employees know they can use their lunch hour.

Additionally, make sure lunch isn’t sacrificed during busy periods or weeks with tight deadlines. Rest is just as important – even more so – when employees are under severe pressure and stress.   

Explore Grapevine’s Lunch Options

Employees across Grapevine are lucky; there are plenty of places to stop in for lunch. Many restaurants offer lunch specials or prioritize speed when team members are in a hurry. You can find good meals without breaking the bank.

Check out the free Shop Local tool within our SizeUp software. It’s a free resource to find local businesses across a variety of industries – including lunch spots. This is a great starting point to find your new favorite sandwich, coffee spot, or charcuterie board.

With delicious dining options and beautiful Texas weather, there’s no reason not to get outside and bring back the business lunch this fall. Commit to eating out with your team at least a few times each month. You might be surprised at how your collaboration and teamwork improve. Plus, the local business owners will love your support. 

Learn More About Life in Grapevine

Grapevine has some exciting lunch spots, but there’s so much more to it. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and find your community, whether you are visiting a local park or joining professional organizations. Grapevine boasts an exceptionally high quality of life in a great location. We love it here, and think you will, too.

Come to Grapevine for lunch. We hope you stick around a bit longer after.