New York City restaurateurs, including Emmett Burke of Emmett’s and Emmett’s on Grove, have noticed a surprising trend of diners leaving half-eaten pizzas and other dishes behind, without asking for takeout boxes. This behavior is attributed to social stigmas, the convenience of ordering takeout, and a return to sharing food post-pandemic. Groups are back to splitting dishes and eating from each other’s plates.
According to ReFED, an organization that aims to reduce food waste, the average American leaves behind 53 pounds of food or $329 worth of food at restaurants each year. This has led to a shift in how diners perceive leftovers. Many people, especially younger generations, are less inclined to take food home due to various logistical reasons and a preference for ordering fresh meals the next day.
Factors such as whether diners drive to the restaurant, the type of establishment, and social norms also play a role in the decision to take leftovers home. For example, diners at Kyma, a Greek family-style restaurant in Atlanta, are more likely to take home leftovers as they drove there and value the food they paid for.
Some restaurant owners, like Ahra Ko of Oiji Mi, feel disappointment when guests ask for leftovers as they believe the quality won’t be the same at home. However, they also see it as part of their job to ensure the correct portion sizes are provided to avoid overwhelming diners.
Overall, the trend of leaving behind leftovers in restaurants reflects changing attitudes towards food consumption and waste, influenced by a variety of cultural, logistical, and generational factors.
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