Should Adults Be Allowed to Order Kids’ Meals?

There’s a question that seems simple until you really think about it:

Should adults be allowed to order kids’ meals at restaurants?

Personally, I think it depends.

And before anyone gets dramatic about a grown adult ordering chicken nuggets, let me just say this: sometimes you simply don’t want a giant meal!

Maybe you’re not very hungry. Maybe you’re trying to save a little money. Maybe you want a smaller portion. Maybe you’re traveling and don’t want leftovers. Or maybe, quite honestly, you just want the little meal that comes with the food you actually enjoy.

So why do some restaurants restrict kids’ meals to children?

There are legitimate business reasons for doing so. But from the customer’s perspective, those restrictions can sometimes feel a little silly.

Let’s take a closer look at the debate, why restaurants have kids’ meal policies, when ordering one as an adult makes sense, and whether restaurants should reconsider their rules.

Why Do Restaurants Have Kids’ Meals?

Kids’ meals aren’t simply smaller versions of regular menu items.

They are often designed as a package.

A typical kids’ meal might include:

• A smaller entrée
• A smaller side
• A drink
• A dessert or treat
• A toy or activity
• Kid-friendly food choices

Restaurants price these meals differently because they’re trying to serve a specific customer group.

The meal may also be part of a broader marketing strategy aimed at families.

And that’s where things get interesting.

Why Are Kids’ Meals Usually Cheaper?

The obvious reason is portion size.

A child generally doesn’t need the same amount of food as an adult, so a smaller meal can be sold at a lower price.

But portion size isn’t the only factor.

Restaurants may also use kids’ meals to attract families. If parents know their children can get an affordable meal, a restaurant may become more appealing for family outings.

The restaurant isn’t necessarily trying to create a cheap alternative for every adult customer.

It’s offering a specific product for a particular market.