Restaurants like Olive Garden, The Cheesecake Factory, and P.F. Chang's are introducing smaller, more affordable portion options in response to changing consumer preferences, budget constraints, and evolving eating habits, aiming to attract and retain customers while addressing waste and competition.
Chipotle is raising its U.S. prices by 2% to counter inflation and fulfill a promise to increase portion sizes, marking its first price hike in over a year. The decision follows increased costs for food, beverages, and packaging, notably avocados, and comes after customer complaints about smaller portions. This move aligns with broader trends in the restaurant industry, where price inflation has led to more consumers opting to eat at home.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is facing a lawsuit from shareholders who claim the company concealed issues with inconsistent portion sizes at its restaurants, leading to increased costs and a significant drop in stock value. The lawsuit, filed in California, alleges that customer dissatisfaction over portion sizes was not disclosed, impacting Chipotle's financial performance and market value. The legal action seeks damages for investors who purchased Chipotle stock and options between February 8 and October 29, 2024. Chipotle has not yet commented on the lawsuit.
Chipotle is facing backlash on social media over claims of smaller portion sizes, with food influencer Keith Lee criticizing the lack of chicken and flavor in his recent order. Despite the complaints, Chipotle maintains that their portion sizes have not changed and encourages customers to customize their meals and provide feedback if dissatisfied. Similar issues have been faced by other fast-food chains like Burger King.
Chipotle is facing backlash on social media over claims of reduced portion sizes, with food influencer Keith Lee criticizing the lack of chicken and flavor in his recent order. Despite the complaints, Chipotle maintains that their portion sizes have not changed and encourages customers to communicate their preferences. This issue mirrors past criticisms faced by other fast-food chains like Burger King.
TikTok influencer Keith Lee criticized Chipotle for small portion sizes in a recent review, sparking widespread discussion among customers who shared similar experiences. Chipotle denies any changes to portion sizes and suggests customers ask for more if needed. Some customers have resorted to filming employees to ensure larger portions, but a kinder approach is recommended.
Chipotle has denied claims that its portion sizes have decreased, following viral TikTok videos by influencer Keith Lee criticizing the restaurant for serving smaller portions. The company's Chief Corporate Affairs and Food Safety Officer, Laurie Schalow, stated that there have been no changes in portion sizes and emphasized that meals are customizable. Schalow encouraged customers to provide feedback if they feel their experience did not meet expectations.
A food enthusiast compared meals at Maggiano's and Olive Garden, finding Maggiano's to offer larger portions and a more upscale dining experience, while Olive Garden excelled in the appetizer category. Despite both restaurants providing delicious food and great service, the overall value and ambiance at Maggiano's won over the reviewer, making it their preferred choice for Italian-American cuisine.
Burger King must defend itself in court against a class action lawsuit accusing the chain of exaggerating the size of its Whopper burgers on in-store menu boards. The lawsuit claims that the depiction of the Whopper makes it appear 35% larger and with double the amount of meat than what customers are actually served. While Burger King denies wrongdoing, a judge ruled that it should be up to a jury to determine what reasonable people think. Similar lawsuits have been filed against other fast food chains, including McDonald's and Wendy's, over portion sizes.
The size of our meals has increased significantly over the past 50 years, leading to "portion distortion" and weight gain. Researchers suggest that avoiding overfilling our plates can help cut around 279 calories a day. To help visualize proper portion sizes, everyday objects are used as references, such as a deck of cards for cooked meat and a small matchbox for hard cheese. Tips to control portion sizes include drinking water before meals, chewing slowly, using smaller plates, and avoiding distractions like TV while eating.