Why don't many department stores have restaurants anymore?

Question

Back in the day, most of the large department stores had a restaurant, but now hardly any of them do. Now when people are shopping, they have to leave the store to go and get something to eat, but if they had a restaurant in the store, they wouldn't. This would also help out the department stores because the customers would likely shop longer.

Answer 1

My guess would be, dealing with the food thing brings on a whole new set of rules. Some larger stores, like Walmart, Sears etc. have fast service foods available. Most stores don't want you handling their garments with ketchup and mustard on your hands. Not to mention the relish on the carpet. Good ol sit down restaurants seem to have left the department stores. There are some in separate areas in the Malls. The times are a changen.

Answer 2

Probably because people just don't "shop" like they used to, spending a leisurely day at the big Department stores.

I remember Marshall Fields and Carsons in the Chicago Loop, and we ALWAYS seemed to have lunch there whenever my mother took us with her shopping, it was such a "big thing"

I live in Germany now and here we have Karstadts Department store with TWO wonderful restaurants, one a seafood grill down on the lower level and a wonderful German style cuisine restaurant up on the upper level. I go there just to eat lunch it is so good, and never fail to spend twenty or more dollars on the way out just buying things I didn't really think of buying when I went there/

Answer 3

Most Wal Marts and Targets have a place to eat, although it is not a restaurant like a sit down and get served type of place. .

I think one reason is cost. It costs a lot of money to operate a restaurant, and there's just not enough profit for the store. I know we used to go to several restaurants in stores just to eat.

We had a local grocery store chain that used to have counter service and it was real good.

Zellers stores in Canada still have restaurants in them and I think Hamley's in London has one also.

Answer 4

I don't know where you live, but in NYC all the department stores have restaurants in them and some of the restaurants are excellent. I go to the restaurant at Saks even if I don't want to go shopping at Saks.

Answer 5

Probably because of liability and cost. Plus, eating at the restaurant in Nordstrom's in SF is more expensive than going to the food court. You've already blown your wallet in Nordie's, so the food has to be cheap.