Monday, August 25, 2008

Don't Put Too Much Food On Your Plates

By Patricia Farnham


Determining how much food should go on each plate at your restaurant can be difficult to determine. If you are part of a chain restaurant consider yourself lucky when it comes to this detail. You will have it already determined for you. That way customers who come to your location or another one can order the same item get it to taste the same and to be the same amount of food.

You don't want anyone out there complaining that they don't get enough to eat with your entrees. Of course the standard size of meal is different for everyone but you should be able to get a ball park idea of the norm. Those with a larger appetite can often fill up on salad, bread, and other appetizers if they need more. They can even get something delicious from your dessert menu.

It seems that most restaurants these days err on the side of caution though. Portion sizes have gotten bigger and bigger. This isn't always something that is welcome by customers though. They may dread wasting so much food, especially the older generations. Many people will feel that they are wasting their money when they see so much food left on the table too.

It is important to be consistent with portion sizes as well. Some Mexican food places serve small burritos so you need to order two of them to get enough to eat. Others have huge burritos so one is often more than enough to eat. In fact, some of it will be left behind on the plate untouched.

It isn't just the restaurant owner who has to be concerned about how much food will be on each plate. Customers really take an interest in this as well. It can be frustrating when you don't order enough food because you assumed it would be more than it was. It can also be overwhelming when you get way too much food for you to eat at one meal.

Customers who frequent certain locations will learn what the portions look like. It will vary significantly from one restaurant to the next. This can make it difficult to eat at someplace new though. It is a prime reason why so many travelers look for chain restaurants. They know exactly what they will be given and the portions they can expect as well.

How much food you offer is an issue you really need to take a close look at before you get ready to open or to set your prices. It is one of those details that most of us don't think about unless we are a part of such a business. Make sure you compare what you are thinking of offering to other restaurants in the area. You want to be comparable so that your customers will be happy.

There are many customers who dine out but that watch calories and portion sizes. They want to be able to enjoy a decent sized meal as well. They don't want to be paying for heaps of food they will never touch. Do your best to balance things out so you can keep your customers coming back for more.

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