When I graduated from college my mentor gave me a list of business rules* to follow. One of her recommendations was to never take anything home from a business lunch in a doggie bag because it makes you look cheap. Recently at an interview lunch, I was nervous and unable to eat more than a few bites of my entrée. While I would have appreciated the leftovers, when the waitress asked if I needed a take-out box I said no. My interviewer appeared annoyed and asked why I wasn’t taking my leftovers home. I blurted out I was told you should never request a doggie bag at a business lunch. He said that was ridiculous and I walked out with a doggie bag. Was I wrong?
Dear Amy,
In this instance I think you were not wrong to refuse the doggie bag, you were wrong to not attempt to eat more. When you didn’t accept the take-out box the interviewer must have thought you were being wasteful. I once attended a business lunch where a guest ate only a few bites of her salmon entrée. She too refused the take-out bag. I didn’t say anything, but surmised she had not liked the food.
In choosing what to order at a business lunch, I always select the easiest item to eat in the mid-priced category. Usually for a lunch this is a sandwich. I then focus on eating the main entrée leaving the sides especially fries or chips for last. If I can’t finish all my food, it still looks like I’ve eaten the majority of my plate. I also sometimes stop eating if everyone else has long since finished.
On a side note, the person requesting the lunch should always pay the bill. I’ve had a couple of business meetings at coffee shops where the party requesting the meeting was late. I usually give them a few minutes, then go ahead and buy my own coffee. This too is probably a mistake, but it just feels weird to me to sit there with nothing and wait.
Do you request a doggie bag at a business lunch? What about coffee shops, if you are the first to arrive do you buy your own coffee?
*Other items on her list were to never hang your sweater over your chair, never let them so you cry and to always go alone to networking events – you are forced to meet other people.
I really like your answer to this question! At a business lunch you don't want to appear cheap or wasteful.
ReplyDeleteThank you and I agree.
DeleteHonestly, these kind of "rules" deter me from working at certain places all together! I'm happy to have relaxed coworkers who wouldn't care -- at all! -- if someone got a doggie bag or not. It's just no big deal! I value that in my employer. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think my current employer would care either. They would probably rather see me request a doggie bag than waste food too. But there are all kinds of business lunches - lunches with our bankers, with clients, etc. I would never want to risk making a bad impression or appearing wasteful. Remember you are representing the company and always being judged.
DeleteThese situations are sticky! I like the suggestion of picking a modest entrée and trying to eat enough of it so as not to insult the business lunch host's restaurant choice, despite your nerves getting the best of your appetite.
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
DeleteThese situations are sticky! I like the suggestion of picking a modest entrée and trying to eat enough of it so as not to insult the business lunch host's restaurant choice, despite your nerves getting the best of your appetite.
ReplyDeleteUgh, the many twists of etiquette. I'm lucky I work in an environment where they couldn't care less about most of these things. I have generally stuck to mid priced items whenever anyone else is paying in any situation and never hesitate to go with the doggie bag, if I haven't finished. There's nothing about "waste not, want not" that comes across wrong to me. I think the sweater rule is also kind of silly, but as a female in a male dominated profession I am 100% onboard with never let them see you cry. I'd also add to not wear anything revealing in any way. You should look neat and you don't need to hide that you're female, but you should be completely covered.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mel. I think the etiquette on doggie bags probably changes the further you get away from the good 'ole boys club. I not only keep a sweater in my office I usually wear it - I am always cold. I've cried twice in the office and have 2 co-workers that cry frequently. Agree with you on covering up. Showing too much skin always leads to gossip. You want to be known for your work, not what you wear.
DeleteHow interesting, I don't think I'd request a doggie bag either at a business lunch. Granted, if it was an interview, I'd likely be nervous as well but maybe would order something lighter like soup and salad so I didn't appear wasteful. I don't think I'd order a sandwich though, it'd be something I could use utensils for instead of finger food. Thanks for sharing with Small Victories Sunday Linkup. Pinning to our linkup board and hope you found some great posts to visit this week!
ReplyDeleteI always find a couple of great new bloggers on your link-up. Thanks for the comment.
DeleteI think things are a bit different in the UK where I live - doggie bags are a rarity even when it's not a business lunch. There are certain restaurants where I wouldn't feel comfortable to ask - and some where I would. With that said, it's not very often that I'd leave much on my plate to be honest!
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing out the differences in the UK. I bet your portion sizes are smaller too.
DeleteAmy, being a fellow accountant like yourself I can relate to this topic. Funny enough I actually attended an etiquette session yesterday to educate myself on how to handle such situations. Asking for a doggie bag is indeed inappropriate unless you see others doing it. In a business lunch setting the food is less important than the meeting. My biggest advice will be to order the smallest, and simplest dish available so you do not come across in a negative manner should you not finish it. It can be very difficult to talk and finish a meal if there is a strict time limit. Using my advice above should help you in these situations. Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteRegarding your comment about coffee shops, you should always be waiting on the person. I was even told you wait at the door for the person unless you are told to take a seat. Let me know your thoughts
Thanks for clarifying my coffee shop conundrum. In the future I will wait at the door. I love it when I learn from my readers.
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