The meals have evolved, but standards remain high. They're usually in a hurry, hoping to be headed back to work in about 45 minutes. They want something reasonably healthy, he said, and few will order a drink stronger than wine. When Jenks began working in restaurants 20 years ago, business lunches were bigger, lasted longer and included at least one strong drink. Restaurants have had to adapt.
Iced tea is what's tripled in consumption.
The business lunch trade is vital to restaurants. Woodill had two customers last week who ate in 20 minutes, but then got out laptops and worked for an hour before leaving. It showed that service must be efficient, but customers won't be rushed. Yet I can tell you that there are still people who will stay an hour after they finish the meal to continue talking business. While business lunch cuisine and service have changed with the times, etiquette standards have remained steadfast.