SEARCH
Monday November 23, 2009 5:58 PM ET
SmartMoney
Published October 2, 2009  |  A A A
SmartMoney Magazine by Neil Parmar (Author Archive)

8 Restaurant Ploys to Watch For

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Next
 

As business has continued to drag at many restaurants, some have tried to trim the fat by cutting costs. Savvy consumers may have noticed those green garnishes disappearing from dinner plates. But plenty of other strategies are also being employed. Here’s a look at a few.

The Incredible Shrinking Snack

That bowl of nuts at the bar may be complimentary, but don’t be shy about asking for a refill. Some efficiency consultants say they help bar operators reduce their costs by switching generously sized snack bowls with smaller ones.


Photos: Getty Images

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Next
 

Follow SmartMoney on Facebook, Twitter & More: Facebook Twitter
Print This Article
Email
Receive Email News Alerts
Bookmark and Share RSS ETrade
Order ReprintsOrder Reprints
View All / Post Comment
User Comments
Posted: 11:20 PM EST October 11, 2009
Posted by: IronDawg
This is one of the worst articles I've ever read! Cutting off the tap - most people don't drink the water, they'll give it to you if you want it and there has been tons written about how wastefull the practice is. Good for these restaurants for not doing this. And then there is the one here about smaller portions - can you believe? Has the author opened their eyes? Can he/she not see how overweight people have gotten? Portions at restaruants are one of the main problems. Terrible article, just plain terrible!!
Posted: 10:58 PM EST October 11, 2009
Posted by: kevinwildrose
Don't let this article make you think that all resturants are trying to rip you off.If you notice the author quotes the places they frequent in N.Y. Like that is the center of America.GET A LIFE, and a real study of the nations eating establishments.Somebody get a bad egg salad sandwich or what.In retrospect that articles observation represents 2 grains of sand on a beach in anywhere U.S.A.
Posted: 12:03 AM EST October 10, 2009
kiee1

87 Comments
Restrounts are cutting back on every dish seved with beef. The high cost forces them too.A top serlion 2 years ago 12 ounces now 8 . Using the primerib from the day before whene it is reheated it tastes like crap. before dinner snacks like blooming onions cost the same as a meal . Chicken Pork is what they push to sell now . cant blame them look at the price of beef and vegies all . large increases even potatos have climbed
BackType
Comments From Around the Web
posted 5:48 PM EST November 10, 2009
Posted by: nick@locksmith on Lucrative Investing

With tough times like we have now everyone is trying to cut corners in any way they can, I remember a day with free water and its not going to surprise me if they charge for bread as well, this is starting to be a very popular thing in LA and seems to be spreading throughout the country.

posted 4:11 PM EST November 10, 2009
Posted by: Jennifer McClelland on Lucrative Investing

I would be mad if I noticed a restaurant charging for something that used to be free. It is annoying, but I suppose you have to pay for convenience? One of the only ones I have PERSONALLY seen is the a la carte sides. It was so dumb to me. We were in New Orleans and there was a restaurant that offered its meals this way. A side of corn was 50 cents cheaper than the open faced sandwich I got. I was confused as to why anyone would pay that much for corn when they could just get another sandwich for 50 cents more?

View All / Post Comment
Advertisements
Free stock symbol lookup: Scottrade stock research
Ally Bank offers top rates and no sneaky disclaimers. FDIC insured.
Economy Survey Corp International Country Reports
CDs and High Yield Savings Accounts from American Express
MFS®. We make the funds. You make the choice®.
Find helpful answers to important financial questions findtheanswers.com
Switch to thinkorswim and get a $100 ACAT rebate
Join to TD AMERITRADE and trade free for 30 days + get $100.
Keep your retirement goals in reach with help from Merrill Lynch
Get a Free Blackberry Smartphone at E*TRADE Securities
Try the MetLife® Variable Annuities Simplified Tool
Thinking about a Roth conversion? Schwab can help you decide.
SmartMoney Magazine - A smart investment. Subscribe for only $1 an issue.
Trade Options, Stocks and Futures in One Account at optionsXpress
Free stock symbol lookup: Scottrade stock research