Bottomless Waste
April 21st, 2008 by Jonathan
Our friends at Chili’s have found a new way to encourage food waste: The Bottomless Express Lunch.
Not content with over-sized portions, Chili’s is pushing
waste–and no doubt waistlines–to new levels with this new promotion. The price and use of the word ‘bottomless’ will likely compel customers to eat to “get their money’s worth.” That means many half-eaten bowls of seconds being thrown away.
Nutrition-wise, don’t think you’re in the clear just because the meal only consists of a soup, salad and chips. It’s still Chili’s, home of the 1000-calorie Caesar Salad and the sodium-allowance-doubling Buffalo Chicken Salad.
Finally, how express can a bottomless lunch be and vice versa? From what I read, you’re given the food immediately upon ordering. All the better to begin consuming, “all you care to eat,” as the food industry folks put it.
Just keep in mind that it takes 20 minutes for your stomach to notice it’s full and send that message to your brain. Hopefully that’s not right after you’ve asked for a second or third bowl.
Stumble it! | Posted in Restaurant |
I know Chili’s marketing is extra insidious, but Olive Garden has been offering (and marketing) a similar service with their unlimited breadstick, soup, and salad lunch combo for quite some time.
Have you noticed, though, that TGIF has started offering smaller options? I don’t go out to eat often, but I’m on their email list, and seems like I keep seeing email ads explaining about their new, smaller ordering options.
Thanks, I didn’t know that the Olive Garden offered a similar deal. Shrewd, too, as breadsticks will really fill you up!
I have noticed (and written about) TGIF’s “Right Portion, Right Price” menu. Whenever given the chance, I always give them a big thumbs up. (Not that I’ve ever eaten there.)
If anyone’s eaten at one of these oxymoronic bottomless express lunches, I’m curious if the waitstaff automatically replenishes your food (like they do with drinks) or whether you have to ask for more.
From experience with Olive Garden…you definitely have to ask to have your food “replenished”.