Your favorite restaurant isn’t lying to you, but it’s definitely telling you the whole truth either. Behind the perfectly plated meals are secrets most diners never hear about. We’re pulling back the curtain on 10 of the biggest secrets in the restaurant industry.
10. That “Secret” Menu Isn’t So Secret After All
Saw a viral TikTok drink you want to order at Starbucks? Well, most restaurant and fast food employees, including Starbucks baristas, aren’t trained on these secret concoctions. Many of these custom drinks also depend on seasonal ingredients, so your secret menu item may not even be possible to make. Next time you order, have the recipe ready and a backup choice in mind.
9. Your “Healthy” Smoothie Is a Sugar Bomb
Many restaurants, especially chains, use pre-made smoothie mixes or add unexpected ingredients to enhance flavor and texture. Some even add ice cream, resulting in a significant amount of fat and sugar. While you’re imagining a blend of fresh fruits and yogurt, you could be sipping on a dessert-like beverage.
8. The “Never-Ending” Promotion Is an Employee’s Nightmare
Remember Olive Garden’s “Never-Ending Pasta Bowl”? It might seem like a dream come true for diners, but it could be a nightmare for the employees. There were reports that some customers take the “never-ending” promise to the extreme, eating until they become physically ill at the table. This not only creates an unpleasant experience for other diners but also adds a cleanup burden on the staff.
7. Your “Fresh” Fish Was Likely Frozen
An industry insider revealed that many restaurants use frozen seafood to reduce waste and ensure a consistent supply. This is true for items like shrimp, calamari, and breaded fish fillets. Even lobster can be frozen if it’s not in season. So that “fresh catch of the day” was likely frozen, unless you’re dining at a high-end seafood restaurant right on the coast.
6. That “Homestyle” Meal Is Pre-Packaged
That “homestyle” meal you’re enjoying may have come from a factory, not the restaurant’s kitchen. Chain restaurants may rely on pre-packaged or ready-to-heat meals to ensure consistency and reduce labor costs. An employee at Cracker Barrel spilled that many of their popular dishes are pre-made. Similarly, a former Panera employee shared that their soups, pasta, and pastries, are delivered frozen.
5. The Ice Machine Is Rarely Cleaned
According to multiple restaurant employees, ice machines are among the most neglected pieces of equipment in the kitchen. They are rarely, if ever, cleaned, and can harbor a shocking amount of bacteria. One former fast food worker shared that their restaurant’s ice machine contain “bugs, dirt, food particles, whatever.”
4. Your Salad Has Been Sitting for Days
Salads, too can be pre-made and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. So yes, that crisp, fresh salad you ordered as a healthy starter might not be as fresh as you think. When an order came in, a waiter would simply grab a pre-made salad, add dressing, and serve it. This practice is common in high-volume restaurants where speed and efficiency are priorities.
3. That “Wild-Caught” Salmon Is Actually Farmed
Restaurants often use enticing language on their menus to justify higher prices. One of the most common deceptions is labeling farmed seafood as “wild-caught.” A restaurant critic confirmed that this is a widespread practice, with restaurants using “wild-caught” because it’s more expensive. Similarly, that “truffle oil” on your fries is likely a synthetic aroma infused into olive oil.
2. They Lie to Vegetarians
A restaurant server admitted that they will often lie to customers about whether a dish is vegetarian. For example, if a customer asks if a soup is made with vegetable stock, the server will say yes, even if it’s made with chicken stock. The reason? Servers think you’ll never know the difference. So if you’re a vegetarian, be extra cautious when dining out.
1. Being Nice to the Host Can Get You a Better Table
The host or hostess is the gatekeeper of the restaurant, and how you treat them can have an impact on your dining experience. If you’re friendly and polite, the host is more likely to go out of their way to give you a better table, like one in a quiet corner or with a view. It’s a simple reminder that a little kindness can go a long way.