Misleading Menu Descriptions

Have you ever noticed how menus often present ordinary items with extravagant names? For instance, a simple chicken nugget might be described as “Tender, succulent chicken breast, delicately fried and cut into bite-sized pieces, perfect for the little ones.” Terms like “hand-crafted” or “slow-cooked” are frequently employed to enhance appeal. Research from Cornell University indicates that these descriptive phrases can boost item sales by as much as 27%.

Menus that feature boxes around certain items draw attention to them. These often highlight the priciest or most unique dishes. Additionally, limiting menu options not only simplifies the chefs' tasks but also alleviates the stress of decision-making for diners. Too many choices can be overwhelming, so narrowing down options can make the dining experience less taxing.

Moreover, the absence of a currency symbol can be a strategic design choice. By simply stating “7” instead of “$7,” the financial aspect becomes less front-of-mind when customers decide on their meals.

The Power of Ambiance

Once you've placed your order, you might reflect on what initially attracted you to the restaurant. While the quality of food is essential, the aesthetic appeal plays a significant role in drawing customers in.

A modest investment in decor can dramatically elevate a restaurant's status. Take EL&N in London, for example, renowned for being one of the most Instagrammable cafes globally. Their unique design contributes significantly to their revenue generation.

During my visit, I was astonished at how much I paid for a slice of red velvet cake, which was £7, yet it tasted rather ordinary.

Color Psychology

Color association is well-established; blue evokes calmness, while yellow is cheerful. However, restaurants cleverly exploit the color red to their advantage. Fast-food giants like McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Wendy's predominantly use red in their branding because it tends to increase heart rates and stimulate appetite.

Illusions of Portion Sizes

Have you ever noticed the difference in plate sizes between buffets and ordered meals? This is a deliberate tactic based on the Delboeuf illusion.

The illusion demonstrates how our perception of size can be influenced by surrounding circles. In a dining context, larger plates can make portions seem smaller, leading you to feel hungrier and order more. Conversely, smaller buffet plates create a perception of having consumed more, which can reduce the actual amount of food served.

The application of psychological principles in everyday life is vast, but it can also lead to manipulation. Being aware of these tactics is crucial in avoiding being swayed by them. I hope this article has equipped you with the knowledge to make more informed choices in the future.

Additional Reading

If you found this article insightful, you may be interested in exploring more of my work:

• What Was Your Earliest Memory?
  • Science explains why you can't recall your birth.
• Understanding Overthinking
  • Strategies to break the cycle of constant rumination.
• Mind Over Matter: The Placebo Effect
  • Discover the remarkable capabilities of our minds in enhancing life experiences.

Thank you for reading! For more engaging content, feel free to explore my other platforms.

Bibliography:

Plate sizing illusion, Menu Tricks

T Leach, Nicole Hilbig, Peggy Price, Scott Wilborn, Roshana Ariel, Charlotte Franklin, Fidel Nadal, Srinivas Gollapudi, Catharina Short Sundberg, Antonia Green, Daniel Dixon, Byron Spears, Rejoice Denhere, helenaknows, Tracy Luk, Megan Sheehan, Breanne Szabados, umzila kawulandelwa, Elton Uliana, Niharikaa Kaur Sodhi, Joanna Goodwin, Huiping Huang, William Kimeria, Hilma Dahliana, Arthur Spragg, Philip Kaufman, Burk Lee, Kelly Blessing Akpan