10 Dirty Psychological Tricks Restaurants Use To Make More Money, According To A Data Scientist 

The saying “all is fair in love and war” is often extended to business practices as well. Dr. Hussein Naji, who has a Ph.D. in AI & Data Science for Healthcare, is dedicated to understanding and educating others about these methods. Last week, he shared a post on his Threads account revealing manipulative tactics in the restaurant industry that exploit psychological tricks to increase spending. He believes that awareness of these practices is crucial for protecting oneself from being manipulated.

More info: husseinnaji.beehiiv.com

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Dirty Psychological Tricks Restaurants Use To Make More Money

There are so many laws controlling how we spend our money when eating out that it’s hard to notice when they take hold of us.

A person dining in a restaurant, illustrating ways restaurants manipulate spending with elegant meal presentation.
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Image credits: freepik

Here are a few collected by Dr. Hussein Naji that should provide a better understanding of what we’re paying for

Text image describing how restaurants manipulate spending using psychological tricks.
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Text explaining how restaurants manipulate spending by using smaller plates to increase food satisfaction.
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Text highlights how restaurants manipulate spending with plate sizes.
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Text discussing how restaurants manipulate perception using big plates for fancier food arrangements.
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Restaurants manipulate spending with fancy dish descriptions like "pan-seared Atlantic salmon with saffron-infused risotto.
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Fancy descriptions boost restaurant revenue by 27%, influencing customer choices.
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Text explaining how restaurants manipulate spending with menu design.
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Man examining menu with waitress, illustrating restaurant manipulation tactics to encourage spending.
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Image credits: freepik

Menu design uses eye-tracking studies to manipulate spending, highlighting the top right corner for attention.
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Text describing how restaurants manipulate ordering habits with menu placement strategies.
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Text explaining restaurants use the anchoring effect to make items appear more affordable.
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Restaurants manipulate spending by leaving dessert menus on tables, increasing the likelihood of customers ordering dessert.
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Text discussing how visual stimuli in restaurants influence dessert and alcohol orders.
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Text about restaurant settings designed to manipulate spending, emphasizing decor, lighting, and music.
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Text explaining how restaurants use music speed to manipulate customer behavior.
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Chef garnishing dish, showcasing ways restaurants manipulate diners to spend more money.
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Image credits: freepik

Text discussing how open kitchens in restaurants increase hunger, influencing spending habits.
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Text about how restaurants manipulate customers using curved glasses.
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Text discussing restaurant manipulation, emphasizing awareness of spending tricks.
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Image credits: husseinnaji_

The author of the post told us that it shouldn’t be viewed as an attack on the restaurant industry

Man with a dark beard and a blue shirt, smiling, representing a scientist discussing restaurant spending strategies.
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Image credits: Hussein Naji

Dr. Hussein Naji, who holds a Ph.D. in AI & Data Science for Healthcare, discussed the intersection of marketing and psychology with Bored Panda, sparked by his viral thread. He explained that his interest in psychology helps him understand himself and the world better. His exploration into the psychological tactics used in marketing began accidentally when he found the topic online and decided to delve deeper.

In his discussion, Dr. Naji admitted that despite his knowledge, he is not immune to these marketing tactics, having been influenced by them himself. He enjoys learning from such insights and shares his findings to potentially help others improve as well.

Dr. Naji clarified that his post was not meant to criticize restaurants for unethical practices but to highlight their business strategies. He appreciates dining out, noting that the experience, including good food and friendly service, often outweighs the subtle sales tactics, such as persuading customers to order an extra dessert.

He believes that ethical sales hinge on transparency and intent. Transparency involves clear communication about what is being sold, without omitting crucial information or making misleading claims. The intent should always aim to benefit the customer, making each transaction a win-win situation.

A report on the State of the Restaurant Industry in 2025 supports his views, indicating that most restaurant patrons, particularly in the US, prioritize their dining experience over cost. According to the study, the vast majority of adults enjoy eating out, suggesting that while restaurants may employ persuasive strategies, they generally maintain customer satisfaction. This contrasts sharply with more contentious issues like tipping culture.

As the reactions poured in, a few extra observations emerged

Comments on restaurant manipulation tactics, discussing wine serving strategy.
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Comments discussing how restaurants and businesses manipulate customers for more spending.
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Social media comments discussing restaurant manipulation tactics.
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Instagram post text critiquing methods restaurants use to encourage spending.
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Social media post about how restaurants manipulate descriptions to entice spending.
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Text post about a restaurant experience and questioning a server's recommendation.
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Social media comment on restaurant spending tricks.
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credits by boredpanda.com

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