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That Menu Is Playing With Your Mind, Wallet

Restaurants high and low use psychology to boost spending

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 23, 2009 10:32 AM CST

(Newser) – In the recession, restaurants casual and white tablecloth alike are desperately updating one of their secret moneymakers: the menu. Numerous studies have concluded that customers spend more when items have sumptuous descriptions, a relative’s name is included, or, most importantly, the $ sign is... Read full story »

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That Menu Is Playing With Your Mind, Wallet

Restaurants high and low use psychology to boost spending

recession • consumer spending • menu • consumer psychology • restaurateurs • casual dining • restaurant industry • white tablecloth restaurant

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More Newser Stories

Herd Mentality Moves Many to Needless Penny-Pinching

Psychology has everyone spending less, even those who don't need to

Restaurateur Reveals Ugly Secrets of Fine Eateries

Joe Bastianich book 'Restaurant Man' comes out this week

Next 12 Months: No Recession, but Slow Growth

Risk of recession at 26%; unemployment likely 9% at year's end

Why Are Restaurant Websites So, So Bad?

For the most part, they're stuck in 1999: Farhad Manjoo

Brace Yourself for Even Worse 2nd Recession

Could devastate a still-ailing economy, writes Catherine Rampell

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