Ever left a restaurant wondering how your wallet emptied so fast? From special offers to strategic menus, restaurants use subtle tactics to influence spending. What seems like a generous offer might actually be a clever strategy. Let’s uncover some of the tricks that make guests spend more than they intended.
1. Complimentary Bread Basket
Offering a warm basket of bread as you sit down may seem like a kind gesture. However, it’s a deliberate tactic. Eating bread raises your blood sugar, triggering hunger and making you order more food than planned. The pleasant aroma and warm texture are irresistible, and before you know it, your order includes more appetizers, drinks, or desserts.
2. Self-Service Ordering Terminals
While ordering from self-service kiosks feels convenient, studies show that customers tend to spend 10% more using these systems. Why? The terminals suggest upgrades like larger portions or add-ons that seem like better deals. The large, vivid screens also display appetizing food images, prompting you to order extras you hadn’t planned on, such as fries or desserts.
3. Visually Appealing Menus
You may not notice, but menus are carefully designed to guide your choices. The most expensive items are placed in key areas—at the top, bottom, or center—where your eyes naturally land. Additionally, menus often feature attractive images of high-profit dishes, encouraging you to choose them. Even if not every dish is pictured, a well-designed visual of a juicy steak can be enough to sway your decision.
4. Music to Set the Mood
Background music influences dining behavior. A pleasant playlist keeps guests relaxed and makes them linger longer, increasing the likelihood that they’ll order additional items, like drinks or dessert. The longer the meal, the bigger the bill.
5. Table Toppers (Table-Talkers)
You’ve likely found yourself idly reading a laminated card with seasonal offers or promotions while waiting for your food. These “table-talkers” are designed to capture your attention. Even if you didn’t intend to order anything extra, reading about special deals can spark interest, leading to impulse purchases.
6. Food Presentation as a Show
Restaurants know that presentation matters. When a sizzling skillet or flaming dish is served at the next table, everyone’s attention shifts to it. These theatrical presentations trigger a desire to experience the same, often leading you to order pricier items. The allure lies in the show and the memorable experience, not just the food itself.
7. Trendy Bowls
A growing trend in restaurants is serving Asian or Hawaiian-inspired bowls with rice as the base. These dishes appear exotic, but their cost to the restaurant is low, while their prices are high. This allows restaurants to boost profits by serving inexpensive ingredients in a stylish package.
8. Desserts from Freezers
That mouth-watering cheesecake or tiramisu might not be as fresh as it looks. Many restaurants buy pre-made desserts and serve them thawed or reheated. While you could buy the same cake at a bakery for a fraction of the price, restaurants add a significant markup.
9. Portion Size Illusions
Large portions often seem like a great value, but they’re not always what they appear. In many cases, the cost per gram is higher than for a standard portion. For example, ordering a larger latte may not give you a better deal, since the base cost of making a small or large coffee is nearly identical, yet the larger cup comes with a higher price tag.
These restaurant tactics may seem subtle, but they are highly effective. The next time you dine out, you’ll be better prepared to make mindful choices—without falling for tricks designed to increase your spending.