Outside food brought into a Restaurant, Is that a problem?

Question

I go out to lunch with a co-worker practically everyday and the same choices just get boring and I don't even look forward to having to pick out a restaurant or fast food joint. Is it appropriate for me to just bring a sandwich, fruit and snack from home and buy the drink from the restaurant? I figure not only would I be ahppier with my slection but I could save money. Never really thought about it until now but is this appropriate and acceptable dining Etiquette?

I appreciate all opinions, I just can't get my buddy to just stay at the lunchroom where we have catered food cuz it does not agree with her and how many times can you really go to Burger King, Wendy's, Mcdonalds and the other few restaurants they have around. I have seen people bring in a piece of fruit and maybe buy a sandwich from fast food places. I would not do this at a sit down restaurant. I am referring more to fast food burger joints. I have no problem buying a drink and maybe a sundae, I just get nausiated just thinking about the same crap!
I think I will start eating at my desk ( which we are allowed to do) before lunch and then go to the fast food joint with her and just purchase drink or dessert, then nobody is offended.

Answer 1

What is the big deal I have seen kids bring in Happy Meals into restaurants all the time. I wouldn't recommend it at an upscale restaurant but i think fast food restaurants don't get that upset about it. I have brought Taco Bell into Krystal before so I could eat with some friends. Relax it is no big deal.

Answer 2

While I agree it is not appropriate, and sometimes a violation of health codes, you might be able to pull it off without offending anyone.

Always buy a drink from the restaurant, plus leave $2-4 for a tip if you are waited on. Claim that you have "special dietary needs" and be sure to be kind and humble and compliment the restaurant, service and the wonderful food that you miss so much and wish you could eat. Don't ask permission, ask for forgiveness if someone gets offended.

I've managed casual and fine dining restaurants before, and if this were dinner, I would agree with the others and say no way, but things are more relaxed at lunch.

I'm sure some will disagree, but I think it's okay to bend the rules if you don't inconvenience anyone, don't make a mess, you buy something and tip the server. And, if they really do not seem to want to bend the rules for you, respect their wishes.

Oh, and if it's fast food...go for it.

Answer 3

I would never think to bring some other places food into a restaurant or fast food joint. Its just wrong.

Now if there is a park nearby go ahead and do that, but don't bring other food inside the restaurant or fast food joint.

I still wouldn't bring in other places or your own food to an eatery whether it be Red Lobster or McDonald's. Its just rude.

Have her order take out and then go and eat somewhere.

Answer 4

NOT appropriate, and you'll probably get kicked out of the place. This could be a considered a health violation by the restaurant. Just stay at your office to eat or ask your coworker if you two could pack a lunch a few days a week and eat at a local park.

Answer 5

Buy the drink if you will, but eat your meal elsewhere. Restaurants are in business to sell food and bringing your own into their business is totally tacky. There may also be an issue of cleanliness or sanitation.

Is there a park nearby where you can eat? A lunchroom at your place of business? Then eat there.

Answer 6

Definitely NOT appropriate on many levels:

the business owner pays rent, electricity, gas, taxes.

He pays insurance. He pays someone to clean up your table after you've finished.

His customers will see your food, and will be so impressed that they ALL will bring sandwiches and fruit the next day.

Use some common sense. Eat on a park bench paid for with your taxes and share with the birds and squirrels.

Answer 7

NO NO NO NO....ok well if you are going to McDonalds or the mall food court then its still bad but not as much so...

When you sit at a table in a restuarant, your server expects you to spend X amount of money so that he/she can get X amount in a tip...if you buy a drink lets say 2 or 3 dollars, then most of the time, you are only going to tip1-5 (if you are super nice). If you do not want to spend the money then don't go out and if you dont want to tip your server then don't go out.

If you want to save money and bring your lunch great- but eat at work, go to a park, or find somewhere where you could eat that is not inside a restaurant.

Please realize that by bringing food into a restaurant is rude to your server, but also to the restuarant and the establishment in general...

as a server I get SO frustrated by people who "go out to eat" but don't want to spend money- either food or tip wise...

NOW, if for some reason you are completely still going to go out and just order a drink and your server is nice enough to not tell you to leave, which some might b/.c it is against policy- (it also violates health code and the restuarant can get in trouble) However, if you still do that- then please make sure that you tip your server a minimum of $5 and let them know that from the beginning- but if you aren't willing to tip at least 5 then don't bother...you are messin with someone's livelihood and the money to pay their bills.

Answer 8

I think even at a fast food restaurant this isn't acceptable. Isn't there anywhere else you could eat, outside? Have your coworker get take-out and then both find another place to sit?

Answer 9

Not only is is rude, it is probably in violation of health regulations. A restaurant is responsible for the food in it's establishment. Why not change to a different restaurant for a while? Or start ordering things you don't think you like, they may surprise you.

Answer 10

No, it's not appropriate to bring outside food into the restaurant.