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Doggy Bag: Is It Still Relevant Today?

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Recently, we came across a thought-provoking New York Times article posing the intriguing question, ā€œIs the doggy bag dead?ā€ [gift link]. If you regularly read the NYT, you might observe that their trend stories sometimes exaggerate the reality of ongoing trends. However, considering we haven’t delved into this topic for quite some time, we believe it’s a perfect opportunity for a meaningful discussion.

A few years back, we addressed a reader’s inquiry regarding the appropriateness of taking home leftovers from a business lunch. Kat advised against it, suggesting that it’s generally viewed negatively, a sentiment echoed by many commenters in our discussion.

How often do you find yourself bringing home leftovers from work-related meals or social gatherings with friends and family? Do your habits differ depending on the company or the type of meal?

related: what not to order at a business lunch

Personally, I dislike leaving behind leftover food. Not only do I want to prevent waste, but who doesn’t appreciate eating delicious leftovers when the motivation to cook is low? It frustrates me that whenever I’m on vacation or away for an extended time, I often have to decline a doggy bag simply because I lack refrigerator access. I have a tendency to prioritize others’ feelings — something I’m actively working on — so I sometimes feel the need to explain my situation to the server, who likely has little interest in my dilemma.

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In any case, here’s a surprising statistic from the article: According to data from 2023, the average American leaves behind 53 pounds of restaurant food annually. This staggering figure sheds light on the extent of food waste in our dining culture.

Here are some insights shared by NYC restaurant owners and others on why diners often decline to take home leftovers, with some reasons being quite surprising:

  • Social stigmas surrounding leftovers
  • A renewed trend of sharing food at restaurants post-pandemic
  • Personal principles against consuming leftovers
  • Gen Z’s preference for food delivery — why keep leftovers when more food can be easily brought to you? (yikes!)
  • The awkwardness of taking home leftovers during a date compared to dining with family
  • The inconvenience of transporting food home via public transit or after making post-meal plans

related: our best tips for business dining etiquette

We’d love to hear from you, dear readers: Do you typically take a doggy bag home? Is the term even commonly used anymore? Are your decisions influenced by the nature of the food, the situation, the company, or other factors? Have you noticed a decline in friends or family members bringing home leftovers in recent years?

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Here you can find the original article; the photos and images used in our article also come from this source. We are not their authors; they have been used solely for informational purposes with proper attribution to their original source.

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Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.

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