Restaurants Offer Smaller Portions

on April 7, 2009 at 10:20 AM

chipotle logo Chain restaurants like Chipotle, T.G.I.Fridays, Outback Steakhouse, and Quiznos are introducing smaller, lower-priced portions to attract budget-conscious customers in the recession.

Have you seen these new, downsized menu items, yet?

Restaurants across the country have seen a drop in traffic in recent months because many customers prefer to save money and eat at home during these tough economic times. Smaller, lower-priced items may be attractive to these customers, as well as those people who prefer downsized portions for weight management or other health issues.

Here are some national chain restaurants who are adopting this strategy:

Chipotle plans to feature new "Low Roller" items (priced between $2.35 to $6.35) including single tacos, soup and salad sides, and a kids' menu.

T.G.I.Fridays offers a "Right Portion, Right Price" menu with several smaller-sized entrees.

Outback Steakhouse has a new menu with 15 items under $15, starting at $9.95 including roasted filet tenderloin.

The Cheesecake Factory is offering a 16-item small plate menu priced from $3.95 to $6.50 each.

Quiznos has introduced a new, smaller "Toasty Torpedo" sandwich, which costs $4.

Burger King now sells "BK Burger Shots", which are mini hamburgers available in two-pack ($1.39) or six-pack ($4.09) packages.

PF Chang's has $2 mini desserts.

What do you think about this business strategy? Are you more likely to take your family to eat out now that chain restaurants have smaller, lower-priced menu items?

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.

Filed Under: eating out, family meals, food, healthy choices, trends

Comments (6)

Rosesandlilys

on Apr 7, 2009 at 11:13 AM

WARNING: Dont eat the bk burger shots unless you want to throw up alot.

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Fistandantalus

on Apr 7, 2009 at 11:22 AM

Welllll, no. I'm not likely to take advantage of the smaller, lower-priced portions but we eat out very rarely. I'm glad they are offering smaller portions though, restaurant meals are invariably too much food.

mmmommy0207

on Apr 7, 2009 at 11:53 AM

The only time I eat fast food is at lunch. I try to eat healthier, because I'm pregnant. Just making portions small seems like it would be healthier. I try to keep my kids off the stuff except for rare treats or emergencies. (Like when I accidentally put the crock pot on high instead of low ALL DAY LONG)

AgentBrez

on Apr 7, 2009 at 12:34 PM

i miss Chipotle! there are none around us where we now live. boo :( nice to see they will have a kids menu. i dont think this would make a huge impact on our eating out habits. we only eat out 2-3 a month, and we gave it up for Lent, so havent gone in about 6 weeks now. we dont go out a lot b/c of the money and my inability to choose healthy options, lol. but the down turn of the economy isnt why we avoid it, we've always tried to be frugal .

Bradensmommy719

on Apr 7, 2009 at 4:00 PM

we rarely eat out, but it is nice to know that they are taking steps to a healthier menu. they offer way too much food more often than not. that is a waste over all!

forevermom75

on Apr 7, 2009 at 5:24 PM

I think it's great for take out if your the one who wants the smaller portion. I think it really sucks that adults cant order from the childs menu. But you can get it to go b/c they dont know who its for. I think it's just ridiculous!!