It works. It’s a simple solution to higher food costs–shrink the plates–offer some excitement. Introduce a new menu with small plates, or happy hour specials, or a new bar menu. These are all strategies that have worked in the past and are making a welcome return to the present. Oh, yeah, also reduce the prices. That’s the combo you want to sell.

Look at The Cheesecake Factory whose portions are so large that Weight Watchers could just set up a booth at each location. Why cater to our obesity problems? Their new solution is simple: the introduction of smaller plates and lower prices--the small plate and snack menu.

Neighborhood places are jumping on the bandwagon of small plates. Here’s a new one: a Washington, DC restaurant, Ardeo, has introduced “middle plates”.  Not that small but not as big nor as expensive as an entree portion.

Restaurants throughout the country are expanding their bar menus to offer more food options in a different setting at a lower price point. It works well in New York with some in the Tom Colicchio empire and seems to be a winning formula to fill a space with drinkers who also dine.

Bring it On.

Diners are ready.