What You'll Discover in This Episode

Ever wondered why that pasta dish costs $22 or how Texas Roadhouse makes their steaks seem like incredible deals? Join host Emma Lily as she reveals the secret formulas restaurants use to price their menus. This episode breaks down the psychology and mathematics that determine what you pay for every meal.

From analyzing Texas Roadhouse menu strategies to understanding the 25-35% food cost rule, you'll discover how restaurant chains and local establishments think about pricing. We explore why some items are deliberately placed in specific menu locations and how your brain gets tricked into spending more.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The exact percentage restaurants use to calculate menu prices
• Why Texas Roadhouse places certain items in specific menu spots
• How $12.95 psychologically feels cheaper than $13.00
• Which menu items restaurants deliberately lose money on

• The golden 25-35% food cost percentage rule
• How ingredient costs translate to menu prices
• Why location dramatically affects what you pay

• Anchoring techniques that make expensive items seem reasonable
• The science behind $12.95 vs $13.00 pricing
• Strategic menu placement and visual tricks

• Four categories every restaurant uses: Stars, Plowhorses, Puzzles, and Dogs
• How chains like Texas Roadhouse optimize their menu layouts
• Strategic pricing that makes steakhouse portions seem like great value
• Why your favorite appetizer sometimes disappears

• Loss leaders and how burgers bring you through the door
• Where restaurants make their real money (hint: it's not the food)
• The shocking truth about beverage markups

Restaurant owners seeking pricing strategies will find actionable insights for their business.

Food enthusiasts curious about industry secrets get behind-the-scenes knowledge.

Anyone who dines out regularly will never look at a menu the same way again.

Business students studying pricing psychology will discover real-world applications.

Marketing professionals can apply these psychological principles to their own industries.

This episode is perfect for:

• Restaurant industry professionals wanting to optimize their menus
• Food lovers curious about the business side of dining
• Students studying business psychology and pricing strategies
• Anyone who's ever questioned why restaurant prices vary so dramatically

Learn why Manhattan burgers cost $18 while Kansas burgers cost $12 for similar quality. Discover how chain restaurants like Texas Roadhouse use strategic menu placement to guide your choices. Understand the economics behind why restaurants sometimes lose money on popular items.

Emma Lily analyzes real-world examples from popular chains and local restaurants. The Texas Roadhouse menu serves as a perfect case study for psychological pricing tactics that maximize profits while keeping customers satisfied.

Key revelations include:

• How beverage markups can reach 1,200% profit margins
• The "anchoring" technique that makes expensive steaks seem reasonable
• Why popular burger chains actually lose money on their signature items
• Secret menu categories restaurants use to maximize profitability

Table Talk explores the fascinating world of restaurants and food business. Host Emma Lily combines industry expertise with storytelling to make complex topics accessible. Each episode reveals secrets that change how you think about dining out.

Perfect for your commute, workout, or cooking time, these bite-sized episodes deliver maximum value. Subscribe to never miss insights that transform your restaurant experiences.t