Some of the theories entertained in this episode:
1) Free food at the start of the meal may actually encourage people to eat more, by priming the pump.
2) Free food (especially bread and chips) encourages diners to order more drinks, which have a high profit margin.
3) Free food gives servers and the kitchen time to deliver the meal without the customer getting cranky (or, as one person calls it, “hangry”: i.e., “hungry” + “angry”).
Listen to find out more theories.
(Notes: Freakonomics Website)
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