Planet Money The trouble with Table 101 (Update)
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Mar 27, 2024 Dive into the fascinating world of restaurant design, where ambiance can make or break customer experience. Learn how the notorious Table 101 faced challenges despite its prime location, leading to a redesign for greater profitability. Discover the psychology behind seating arrangements and how they influence customer behavior and spending. Hear about the successful transformation of dining experiences at a casual Indian spot, where smaller tables created a cozier atmosphere and boosted revenue. Unique lessons from the culinary world add further insights!
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Adda's Underperforming Table
- Table 101 at Adda, a high-top window seat, had the lowest check average.
- Owner Roni Mazumdar expected it to be the best, highlighting the gap between intuition and reality.
Anchored Tables
- Consider the psychology of seating: anchored tables (against walls or corners) make guests feel more secure.
- This security can increase spending, exemplified by high check averages at such tables.
Restaurants as Real Estate
- Restaurants are essentially in the real estate business, selling space and time.
- Higher check averages afford larger tables and longer stays, illustrating the space-for-money trade-off.