Group Dinners
Oct 1, 2016 08:32:55 #
What I've never been able to understand is why it costs so much to go to a group dinner. The restaurant knows how many people will be attending and when they will arrive. They know what three dinner choices will be offered - probably beef, fish and chicken. They even know ahead of time how many of each meal they will have to prepare. So, why is the price so high? A friend is organizing a get together of guys from high school - probably two dozen - and the price for the meal will be $50 per person: salad, meal, dessert, coffee, tip. This will not be held at a Five-star restaurant, just a nice restaurant near his house. In a situation like this, I would think the price would be lower, rather than higher than the normal menu price.
Oct 1, 2016 08:42:01 #
jerryc41 wrote:
What I've never been able to understand is why it ... (show quote)
I don't think I would be welcome at your dinner get together's. I usually have two pre dinner drinks and at least two glasses of wine with the entree.
Oct 1, 2016 08:47:52 #
Oct 1, 2016 08:49:54 #
jaymatt wrote:
Ask the restaurant for the answer. Maybe they'll tell you.
Yeah, they'll tell him to get lost. LOL
Oct 1, 2016 08:51:16 #
micolh wrote:
I don't think I would be welcome at your dinner get together's. I usually have two pre dinner drinks and at least two glasses of wine with the entree.
Right. We can have all the drinks we want, but payment is our responsibility, and that makes sense. Sometimes our dinners have an open bar for an hour or two, and that raises the price.
Oct 1, 2016 09:49:40 #
Oct 2, 2016 06:17:55 #
jerryc41 wrote:
What I've never been able to understand is why it ... (show quote)
They do it Because they can!!!!
My lady friend and I have a great lunch/dinner every Friday no dessert. Price including tip between $30 & $35 great food and service. We do TIP slightly above average have both worked ihn food service in the past.
Oct 2, 2016 06:23:33 #
I've never worked in a restaurant, but I'm a retired "ops" guy. One possibility would be the necessity to bring in additional staff to have arrive at the table at relatively the same time. Just a guess.
Oct 2, 2016 06:58:09 #
Your friend who is organizing this dinner is getting a "kick back" $50.00 is way over the top.
Captain Al
Captain Al
Oct 2, 2016 07:03:31 #
Since it's sort of a reunion, the restaurant probably think you're going to sit and talk taking up more time when other customers could be using those seats and spending money. They probably add on extra because of that.
Oct 2, 2016 07:45:52 #
Restaurants usually add tips/service chargers as part of the pricing for large groups... and that is built into the price per serving.
Oct 2, 2016 08:15:19 #
jerryc41 wrote:
What I've never been able to understand is why it ... (show quote)
Name of restaurant?
My wife has been in the restaurant industry most of her life including as a child in NYC restaurants owned by family members.
Off the top she thinks it is a bit high.
Oct 2, 2016 08:22:03 #
Al Freeedman wrote:
Your friend who is organizing this dinner is getting a "kick back" $50.00 is way over the top.
Captain Al
Captain Al
I've organized dinners myself, comparing different restaurants, and the prices are always high. I was able to find a menu for the restaurant (in Brooklyn, NY) online, and it's not a place for a cheap date. Entrees are in the $20 - $30 range, so I guess that explains most of it.
We had a dinner in that area a few years ago, and the restaurant advertised valet parking. The valet takes your car and drives around the neighborhood, looking for a parking space. Funny arrangement.
Oct 2, 2016 08:26:28 #
Ran into the same thing when planning my high school reunion. In our case the meal was $45.00 per person. No drink(s) included. They do jack up the price.
Oct 2, 2016 08:39:56 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.