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27 sneaky secrets restaurants don’t want you to know

Find out what happens behind the scenes
Lemon slices can be dirty
Dressing well gets you better service
Fries aren't always fresh
Lunch deliberately takes longer
Certain diners get some extras on their bill
The salad bar isn't always fresh
Being rude can get you blacklisted
Cheaper restaurants are often a false economy
The wine you didn’t drink doesn’t go to waste
Your decisions are already made for you
Eating at a restaurant can be cheaper than a takeaway
Ice machines don't often get cleaned
Side dishes are a restaurant’s win-win...
…so are veggie options...
…and so is pasta
The specials board might not be so ‘special’
Cheaper wine has a bigger mark-up
Walk-ins can be an advantage
Booking over the phone is best
Men still rule in many professional kitchens
Most chefs do want Michelin stars
Christmas is a key time to make money
Don't ring at dinner time
Drug use can be common among staff
Upselling is rife
Chefs re-use the sampling spoon
Chefs don't get to eat the same food as you
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Find out what happens behind the scenes

The restaurant business is a tough game – according to a study by Cornell University about 30% fail in their first year. So it’s not surprising that some restaurants have a range of tactics to keep costs down and diner numbers up. While most restaurants don't trick or cheat guests, here are some of the ways the less ethical places do.
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loveFOOD

29 November 2017

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