dystopia

If you’ve been out to eat lately or listening to the news, you may have noticed there are some sneaky tactics coming into play at some restaurants. I understand that many places are having to cut back and that’s fine, but the least they can do is let us know ahead of time exactly what we’re getting and what we’re paying for. Here are some sneaky tactics to watch out for the next time you go out to eat:

1.       Many restaurants are cutting back on portion sizes, but charging the same exact price. So you’ll get a smaller hamburger or a smaller sized dinner plate to make the portions look bigger.

2.       Many restaurants are also cutting back on the expensive ingredients in some of their dishes or purchasing cheaper cuts of beef or putting in fewer shrimp in a meal.

3.       Many restaurants are using frozen, instead of fresh vegetables now because distributors are making fewer deliveries because of the high price of gas.

4.       Many restaurants are using every bit they purchase by using leftover meat and vegetables in things like soup and chili.  

5.       The next time you order a cocktail drink it will most likely be a weaker version, more watered down and with less alcohol.

6.       Many restaurants are buying cheaper ingredients overall.

7.       Many restaurants are cutting costs by using cheaper and less sturdy take out boxes ,  bags, containers and other paper products.

8.       Many restaurants are encouraging servers to push the highest profit items, not necessarily the best tasting ones.

9.       Many restaurants have slowly raised their prices on most of the items on their menu, hoping the majority of people will not notice.

10.   Many restaurants and fast food chains are now charging extra for certain items they didn’t charge for before, like extra ketchup or sauces.

11.   Some restaurants are even begging diners for sympathy and understanding.

Not all of these are sneaky tactics and I have worked at a restaurant before so I know that the costs to operate one add up fast and I’m sure they’re profits have went down, while costs have sky-rocketed. They just need to be clear with customers that this is what they’re doing and this is why they have to do it. Don’t just assume it’s going to be okay with everyone or that no one will notice because there are people all over up in arms and upset by the fact that many places are now charging the same price for something and giving you considerably less. Also, many people are upset that they are being charged for extra sauce or ketchup. All the people working at the restaurants have to do is make it clear from the beginning when they first talk to the customer and let them know “Our portions have changed.” Or “We’re charging an extra 10 cents for each BBQ sauce or ketchup packet that you want over 3 packets.” That way the customer will know ahead of time and not be taken by surprise. Sure, the customer may still be annoyed they are going to have to pay more for more sauce or that they’re getting less and paying the same amount for a meal, but at least this way there is no deception.

What do you think?