Why Restaurants Don't Want You Splitting a Plate

[fuzzems]

Ordering appetizers to share at the table might be the go-to strategy for friends dining out, but it’s not the ideal for restaurants, The Wall Street Journal reports. The act of sharing plates is so bad for business that some restaurants are tweaking their menus to offset the costs.

There are a number of reasons that diners like to split an entree. For one thing, it might allow them to try more items on the appetizer menu, or help them strategize dessert. But it’s also simply cheaper, and inflation has plagued consumers for years now. One minute it’s better to eat at home and another it’s cheaper to dine out, but what has remained constant is the fact that food is a greater expense than it used to be. The most recent Consumer Price Index numbers released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the cost for food away from home has risen 5.3% over the past year, which is significantly higher than the 1.7% for food at home.



With those numbers in mind, it’s no wonder that we might suddenly have the desire to order a dish to share with the table rather than ordering a large entree we likely wouldn’t finish anyway. But this approach means we’re creating smaller individual check sizes, and that’s not so great for a restaurant’s bottom line.


www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/restaurantsandnews/why-restaurants-don-t-want-you-splitting-a-plate/ar-AA1m9ntW?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=555bc630b4804a3cb098a7350536d212&ei=25

[fuzzems]

What do you think? Ok to split dinners?

[apple]

Dec 28, 2023 16:22:27 GMT -5 fuzzems said:

What do you think? Ok to split dinners?

Yes.  Especially some of those American places with the HUGE portions! No way can I eat all that.

[Justbec]

Your the person paying for the meal and one or two people at a table is not taking space from others. Now if you book like 8 people then order 4 meals.. you better damn well tip good.

[fuzzems]

I have always felt kind of weird about splitting. But, sometimes, especially when on vacation, might just want to stop in for something lighter and half a sandwich or entree or something is plenty. Obviously wouldn't do that with a salad bar or anything like that. But, I can see where it makes sense.

[fuzzems]

We also rarely order appetizers, drinks or desserts. Usually just water. Not to save money necessarily but an entree is more than enough food to eat. I hate feeling overly full

[apple]

I do not have a problem asking for what I want, and if delivered, I tip quite well.

[deyana]

I find that the drinks actually make the meal much more expensive. I don't mean alcohol drinks, just normal juice, coke or whatever. So yeah, I just stick to water. Plus it's healthier I think.

I don't order appetizers, but I think it's fine to share them if ordered. As for the main meal, no I don't share mine! I will take home a 'doggy bag' if I don't finish it all though.

I just hate spending money on stuff if I don't really have to.

[Kyng]

Yeah, I sometimes split a plate. Sometimes I want to try more items on the menu; other times I know I wouldn't finish it all on my own.

[Rusty]

I eat too much to split a plate 🤪

[Springschick]

Joe and I split plates frequently, especially at lunch. One of us will order an entree and the other a salad or appetizer. We always ask them to bring an extra plate and tell them what we are doing. One place we went to over the summer actually brought out the burger cut in half on two plates, each with a full serving of fries. As long as you aren't an ass about it, I have never heard them complain.

[sauerkraut]

Yes it's a good idea.

[Deleted]

i have split a plate but i clean up what my leaves and eat it. Who wants to eat a plate. I couldnt chew it unless it was paper.

[Justbec]

Dec 29, 2023 0:24:15 GMT -5 deyana said:

I find that the drinks actually make the meal much more expensive. I don't mean alcohol drinks, just normal juice, coke or whatever. So yeah, I just stick to water. Plus it's healthier I think.

I don't order appetizers, but I think it's fine to share them if ordered. As for the main meal, no I don't share mine! I will take home a 'doggy bag' if I don't finish it all though.

I just hate spending money on stuff if I don't really have to.

When my father was alive we would take him out to eat. His idea of eating is ONE small fried shrimp. Or one rib out of an order of half a rack. The waitress new us and would joke that she could just bring him a plate and take some of ours. But fortunately she always boxed his up so he could take it home. 

[deyana]

I like it when they ask 'would you like a box to take home with you' and then they promptly bring you a nice box. Now that does deserve a tip!

[deyana]

I wonder if some people might be offended if the Wait staff ask them if they want a 'box to take home'?

I mean some people can be pretty snooty about things like that.

For some reason the Wait staff never seem to have any issues with asking me that though!

(I need to stop going out to dine in my PJ's me thinks )

[Justbec]

Around here it is common. Small town and lots of senior citizens like to eat out. They usually always ask for a take home box.

[devilwearsprada]

Dec 28, 2023 16:22:00 GMT -5 fuzzems said:

Ordering appetizers to share at the table might be the go-to strategy for friends dining out, but it’s not the ideal for restaurants, The Wall Street Journal reports. The act of sharing plates is so bad for business that some restaurants are tweaking their menus to offset the costs.

There are a number of reasons that diners like to split an entree. For one thing, it might allow them to try more items on the appetizer menu, or help them strategize dessert. But it’s also simply cheaper, and inflation has plagued consumers for years now. One minute it’s better to eat at home and another it’s cheaper to dine out, but what has remained constant is the fact that food is a greater expense than it used to be. The most recent Consumer Price Index numbers released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the cost for food away from home has risen 5.3% over the past year, which is significantly higher than the 1.7% for food at home.



With those numbers in mind, it’s no wonder that we might suddenly have the desire to order a dish to share with the table rather than ordering a large entree we likely wouldn’t finish anyway. But this approach means we’re creating smaller individual check sizes, and that’s not so great for a restaurant’s bottom line.


www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/restaurantsandnews/why-restaurants-don-t-want-you-splitting-a-plate/ar-AA1m9ntW?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=555bc630b4804a3cb098a7350536d212&ei=25

Because the higher the bill then they think the tip will be bigger!lol