Is it acceptable to take leftover bread home after a meal? The topic has sparked debate within the restaurant industry, with varying opinions from industry professionals.
Brad Friedlander, a restaurant professional based in Ohio, expressed that he has no issue with customers taking home leftover bread. He sees it as a compliment that customers enjoy the bread so much that they want to take it with them. In fact, Friedlander mentioned that bread is an integral part of his restaurant’s model, and he would feel flattered if patrons chose to bring it home.
On the other hand, Kelli Ferrell, a restaurateur from Atlanta, shared a different perspective. She personally does not have a preference for bread and indicated that she would not take complimentary bread home from a restaurant. Ferrell acknowledged the appeal of the rolls at Texas Roadhouse but views restaurant bread as more of a treat rather than something to take home.
The debate extends to the practice of requesting separate boxes for leftovers at restaurants. Some patrons wonder if it is considered needy to ask for individual boxes, rather than combining all items into one. However, restaurant owners emphasize that accommodating such requests is about enhancing the customer experience and ensuring guests feel valued.
Both Ferrell and Friedlander concur that meeting customer requests, including providing multiple to-go boxes, is not a significant issue. Friedlander encourages his staff not to refuse any reasonable requests, while Ferrell has adapted by ordering smaller boxes to fulfill customer preferences.
While most items are suitable for packaging as leftovers, Ferrell highlighted one exception: eggs. She expressed that eggs do not reheat well and are best enjoyed freshly cooked, unlike other dishes that can be successfully reheated. Friedlander similarly trusts the customer’s judgment when it comes to boxing leftovers, noting that certain items fare better when taken home, such as broiled items compared to cream-based pasta dishes.
In conclusion, the debate around taking leftovers home from restaurants touches on various aspects of customer preferences and industry practices. Ultimately, the consensus among industry professionals is to prioritize customer satisfaction by accommodating reasonable requests and ensuring a positive dining experience for patrons.
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