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White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Kansas City, MO, USA

The growing trend of smaller restaurant entrées

There is a growing trend of restaurants now offering customers smaller portion entrées and small plates at prices a little easier to swallow.

Olive Garden started experimenting with downsized versions of 7 entrées earlier this year to offer variety beyond its signature unlimited pasta and breadstick deals. The smaller-sized entrées have turned some diners into regulars according to parent company Darden Restaurants.

P.F. Chang's revamped menus to offer two entrée sizes (traditional and a smaller, lower‑priced “medium”) and a reduced‑size appetizer. The Cheesecake Factory added a new “Bites” concept to its phone-book-sized menu in July. Perry's Steakhouse & Grille introduced Petite Bar Plates at select locations, offering tasting‑size portions of signature entrées, such as a 3‑oz filet, a pork chop sampler, and small desserts.

Another lighter menu option that many restaurants are offering is a wide selection of appetizer-style small plates where just a few are equivalent to a lighter meal. For example, P.F. Chang's not only added medium-sized entrée options but also introduced half-sized appetizers such as lettuce wraps and dumplings. The Cheesecake Factory expanded its “Small Plates & Snacks” options. Expanded small-plate menus are a significant trend among independent fine-dining restaurants.

According to the National Restaurant Association, 74% of customers want smaller portions.

And 44% of adults say they order from the kids' menu to save money and eat less, according to a survey from hospitality company Lightspeed Commerce.

In addition to their lower cost, many customers just don't have the appetite for a big meal because they snack throughout the day. With smaller portion sizes, restaurants are also catering to customers taking GPL-1 drugs to lose weight, as these drugs suppress their appetites.

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