Comments on: Saving Money at Fuddruckers: What’s Too Frugal? http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/ Saving, Earning, and Investing Money Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:22:17 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Rory http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-58963 Rory Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:35:50 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-58963 "from what is basically water and sugar." It's not even sugar. It's High Fructose Corn Syrup, an industrial sweetener that our bodies may or may not metabolize the same way as sugar. “from what is basically water and sugar.”

It’s not even sugar. It’s High Fructose Corn Syrup, an industrial sweetener that our bodies may or may not metabolize the same way as sugar.

]]> By: Webomatica http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-41144 Webomatica Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:22:45 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-41144 Splitting a soda or even a meal is a fair idea. I think I'd hold back on creating a salad from the fixings bar. I can totally justify this sort of thing because the prices for beverages at most restaurants are a total rip off - especially when you know a liter bottle is expensive from what is basically water and sugar. Splitting a soda or even a meal is a fair idea. I think I’d hold back on creating a salad from the fixings bar.

I can totally justify this sort of thing because the prices for beverages at most restaurants are a total rip off – especially when you know a liter bottle is expensive from what is basically water and sugar.

]]> By: wayward http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-38565 wayward Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:13:48 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-38565 It's good to see that I'm not the only one who makes the "free" salad at Fuddruckers. Or makes the nacho cheese-wiz burger. :-) I've never gone as far as splitting the 1lb burger or sharing a soda, but I usually get the water. It’s good to see that I’m not the only one who makes the “free” salad at Fuddruckers. Or makes the nacho cheese-wiz burger. :-)

I’ve never gone as far as splitting the 1lb burger or sharing a soda, but I usually get the water.

]]> By: Patty http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-37645 Patty Fri, 18 Jan 2008 02:20:43 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-37645 I don't think there is anything wrong with loading up @ the fixin's bar. Is there a sign prohibiting this? If not, you're all set. I've never been to a Fudruckers although I've been to other such places and I have had a healthy salad along with my paid meal. You can even mix some of the condiments to make interesting salad dressing concoctions! I've NEVER felt guilty about it either. It's nice for them to offer a veggie burger. Another *cheap* option is to order a bun and a slice of cheese and pile on the fixins...it's been done before. The soda issue in no problem in my opinion. You pay for the cup and, in fact, I think the price of soda is highway robbery. What's the difference between person A who will consume 3 cups of soda during their dining experience and person B & C who drink a combined 2 cups (or even 3) cups? At least you aren't bringing an empty bottle to covertly fill, along with the purchased cup, on the way out the door (believe me, this has been done before). The thing is, it all evens out. A certain % will take a modest amount of toppings, others will make a salad and, others won't even bother. I'm sure these businesses aren't suffering. Otherwise, they would shut down the fixin's bar or impose regulations on it. In these situations, I really feel it's all about how tight you are with your concience and using discression when employees are looking. P.S. at least you're not talking about taking a spare roll of TP, a handful of paper towells, or filling up a bottle of liquid soap in the bathroom. However, I do think it's OK to grab a couple extra napkins for later..... I don’t think there is anything wrong with loading up @ the fixin’s bar. Is there a sign prohibiting this? If not, you’re all set. I’ve never been to a Fudruckers although I’ve been to other such places and I have had a healthy salad along with my paid meal. You can even mix some of the condiments to make interesting salad dressing concoctions! I’ve NEVER felt guilty about it either.

It’s nice for them to offer a veggie burger. Another *cheap* option is to order a bun and a slice of cheese and pile on the fixins…it’s been done before.

The soda issue in no problem in my opinion. You pay for the cup and, in fact, I think the price of soda is highway robbery. What’s the difference between person A who will consume 3 cups of soda during their dining experience and person B & C who drink a combined 2 cups (or even 3) cups? At least you aren’t bringing an empty bottle to covertly fill, along with the purchased cup, on the way out the door (believe me, this has been done before).

The thing is, it all evens out. A certain % will take a modest amount of toppings, others will make a salad and, others won’t even bother. I’m sure these businesses aren’t suffering. Otherwise, they would shut down the fixin’s bar or impose regulations on it. In these situations, I really feel it’s all about how tight you are with your concience and using discression when employees are looking.

P.S. at least you’re not talking about taking a spare roll of TP, a handful of paper towells, or filling up a bottle of liquid soap in the bathroom. However, I do think it’s OK to grab a couple extra napkins for later…..

]]> By: Timothy Horrigan http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-37446 Timothy Horrigan Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:25:20 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-37446 You're not just paying for the food at Fuddruckers... you're also paying for the cost of occupying a few square feet of their space for an hour or so, plus the cost of preparing and serving the food. (Well, you do have to tip the server, but he or she also gets paid a base wage by the restaurant.) So I wouldn't go overboard with the check-trimming strategies... in the long run, if Fuddruckers doesn't make enough money from its customers, they will either raise their prices or tear down the restaurant and put up a Staples in its place. You’re not just paying for the food at Fuddruckers… you’re also paying for the cost of occupying a few square feet of their space for an hour or so, plus the cost of preparing and serving the food. (Well, you do have to tip the server, but he or she also gets paid a base wage by the restaurant.) So I wouldn’t go overboard with the check-trimming strategies… in the long run, if Fuddruckers doesn’t make enough money from its customers, they will either raise their prices or tear down the restaurant and put up a Staples in its place.

]]> By: Perry http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-37327 Perry Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:43:54 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-37327 You can get a $9 meal by buying two 1/2 pound burgers and drinking water. Plus there is no need to debate the ethics of the act. You can get a $9 meal by buying two 1/2 pound burgers and drinking water. Plus there is no need to debate the ethics of the act.

]]> By: Jayne King http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-36422 Jayne King Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:16:11 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-36422 My Dad used to work in corporate for Fuddruckers and I can tell you that they have no problem with someone ordering the 1 lb. burger and splitting it with someone. They're just glad you are there in the first place. They do kind of frown on sharing drinks, however. But, as long as you're not really going overboard with the refills I don't think it poses any real moral dilemma based on the price of the drink to begin with. They are still making money. My Dad used to work in corporate for Fuddruckers and I can tell you that they have no problem with someone ordering the 1 lb. burger and splitting it with someone. They’re just glad you are there in the first place. They do kind of frown on sharing drinks, however. But, as long as you’re not really going overboard with the refills I don’t think it poses any real moral dilemma based on the price of the drink to begin with. They are still making money.

]]> By: Patrick http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-36276 Patrick Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:28:06 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-36276 My wife and I always split a burger when we go to Fudrucker's. We usually split a milkshake as well. The portions are just too big for either of us to comfortably eat. The total cost for a large burger, fries, and a shake comes to about $12 or so, which is slightly more than fast food, but tastes so much better. I wouldn't split a soft drink with free refills there, and I wouldn't make a salad from the salad bar; I just think that might be crossing the line. We often split meals at other restaurants as well, depending on the occasion, our company, and what we want to eat. It's a great way to save a lot of money and prevent ourselves from eating too many calories! My wife and I always split a burger when we go to Fudrucker’s. We usually split a milkshake as well. The portions are just too big for either of us to comfortably eat. The total cost for a large burger, fries, and a shake comes to about $12 or so, which is slightly more than fast food, but tastes so much better. I wouldn’t split a soft drink with free refills there, and I wouldn’t make a salad from the salad bar; I just think that might be crossing the line.

We often split meals at other restaurants as well, depending on the occasion, our company, and what we want to eat. It’s a great way to save a lot of money and prevent ourselves from eating too many calories!

]]> By: Personal Loan Portfolio http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-35928 Personal Loan Portfolio Wed, 16 Jan 2008 04:50:49 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-35928 LM: "General rules of thumb are good, but they have a way of having exceptions. Splitting food is commonly accepted in France for instance. Why is there sometimes a fee for it in the United States? This is why I ask." As I mentioned, I see no problem with splitting a plate of food (the burger). It is much healthier for you than eating a full plate at most restaurants. The rule of thumb was just posted as a general suggestion for most ethical situations. I have a feeling that you know the answers to each of these items yourself without having to ask for feedback. LM: "I hope that I didn’t imply that I was stealing from Fuddrucker’s." After a few of the "frugal" posts that I have read lately on various websites, I did have to wonder if the "ifs" were your way of saying "I have a <i>*friend*</i> who..." I am glad to know that you did not ask for a box for your salad from the condiment bar and two to-go cups for your one soft drink. ;) MM: "But if all we drank was the large soda with no refills, that’d be ok." I must admit to doing this when a restaurant charges $0.10 extra for the hulk-size soft drink. About the buy one get one free meals -- there are many restaurants that offer this special and almost always on the same day of the week. My favorite Mexican place does this on Tuesdays and a great sandwich shop has the special on Sunday. Keep a list of the restaurants who offer this deal by the day of the week handy and you can eat nearly any day of the week as Jon suggests. LM: “General rules of thumb are good, but they have a way of having exceptions. Splitting food is commonly accepted in France for instance. Why is there sometimes a fee for it in the United States? This is why I ask.”

As I mentioned, I see no problem with splitting a plate of food (the burger). It is much healthier for you than eating a full plate at most restaurants. The rule of thumb was just posted as a general suggestion for most ethical situations. I have a feeling that you know the answers to each of these items yourself without having to ask for feedback.

LM: “I hope that I didn’t imply that I was stealing from Fuddrucker’s.”
After a few of the “frugal” posts that I have read lately on various websites, I did have to wonder if the “ifs” were your way of saying “I have a *friend* who…” I am glad to know that you did not ask for a box for your salad from the condiment bar and two to-go cups for your one soft drink. ;)

MM: “But if all we drank was the large soda with no refills, that’d be ok.” I must admit to doing this when a restaurant charges $0.10 extra for the hulk-size soft drink.

About the buy one get one free meals — there are many restaurants that offer this special and almost always on the same day of the week. My favorite Mexican place does this on Tuesdays and a great sandwich shop has the special on Sunday. Keep a list of the restaurants who offer this deal by the day of the week handy and you can eat nearly any day of the week as Jon suggests.

]]> By: Early Retirement Extreme http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-35549 Early Retirement Extreme Tue, 15 Jan 2008 22:12:34 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-35549 I agree with Mister E above. I wouldn't mind doctoring up the burger, but turning condiments into a meal might go beyond its intended purpose (what do you mean I can't drink the wholesome nutritious free ketchup instead of ordering food??) I agree with Mister E above. I wouldn’t mind doctoring up the burger, but turning condiments into a meal might go beyond its intended purpose (what do you mean I can’t drink the wholesome nutritious free ketchup instead of ordering food??)

]]> By: Double Journey http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-34812 Double Journey Tue, 15 Jan 2008 07:47:54 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-34812 I ALWAYS split my meal at a restaurant with my significant other. Portions are just too big for one person. I don't think I would do the other things you mentioned, that might be taking it too far, but there is nothing unethical or even abnormal about splitting an entree between two people. I ALWAYS split my meal at a restaurant with my significant other. Portions are just too big for one person. I don’t think I would do the other things you mentioned, that might be taking it too far, but there is nothing unethical or even abnormal about splitting an entree between two people.

]]> By: Mister E http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-34456 Mister E Mon, 14 Jan 2008 22:32:21 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-34456 Sharing one all-you-can-drink drink and refilling it is theft plain and simple albiet pretty small potatoes. What if I go in with 4 or 5 friends, is it ok to share one drink amongst all of us? Where is the line? All you can drink means just that, all YOU can drink, not you and however many people you come in with. It's no different then going to an all-you-can-eat buffet and paying one fare and taking food for 2. There is no problem that I can see with sharing the drink if you don't refill it though. Making a salad from a condiment bar is walking a pretty fine line but I wouldn't do it. That's just me though, your mileage may vary. Sharing one all-you-can-drink drink and refilling it is theft plain and simple albiet pretty small potatoes. What if I go in with 4 or 5 friends, is it ok to share one drink amongst all of us? Where is the line? All you can drink means just that, all YOU can drink, not you and however many people you come in with. It’s no different then going to an all-you-can-eat buffet and paying one fare and taking food for 2. There is no problem that I can see with sharing the drink if you don’t refill it though.

Making a salad from a condiment bar is walking a pretty fine line but I wouldn’t do it.

That’s just me though, your mileage may vary.

]]> By: Mrs. Micah http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-34391 Mrs. Micah Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:21:33 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-34391 Cheap dates you enjoy are the best. In your situation, I expect we'd split the 1lb burger and each get a soda. Maybe split a large fries too. I wouldn't feel as comfortable refilling the soda if there were two of us. But if all we drank was the large soda with no refills, that'd be ok. Cheap dates you enjoy are the best. In your situation, I expect we’d split the 1lb burger and each get a soda. Maybe split a large fries too. I wouldn’t feel as comfortable refilling the soda if there were two of us. But if all we drank was the large soda with no refills, that’d be ok.

]]> By: Ryuko http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-34389 Ryuko Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:14:24 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-34389 I've seen restaurants that actually used a condiment bar as the salad bar. tacky. I wouldn't do it myself... at Fuddruckers, maybe, considering what they have. Nothing wrong with splitting a 1lb burger. My wife and I do it at Carl's. The give you something like a half gallon of soda and 3 potatoes' worth of fries in their "medium" meals anyway. I've never been brave enough to order a large. Last time we got 2 meals at Carl's, we ended up giving half the fries to one of the bums sitting outside the place. Not only does it save money, but much healthier. I'd still get the cheese, tho. If you REALLY want to be frugal, take her to Burger King. I got two adult meals for less than $9, and we live close to your location. Dates involving fast food got more common after having kids... I’ve seen restaurants that actually used a condiment bar as the salad bar. tacky. I wouldn’t do it myself… at Fuddruckers, maybe, considering what they have. Nothing wrong with splitting a 1lb burger. My wife and I do it at Carl’s. The give you something like a half gallon of soda and 3 potatoes’ worth of fries in their “medium” meals anyway. I’ve never been brave enough to order a large. Last time we got 2 meals at Carl’s, we ended up giving half the fries to one of the bums sitting outside the place. Not only does it save money, but much healthier. I’d still get the cheese, tho.

If you REALLY want to be frugal, take her to Burger King. I got two adult meals for less than $9, and we live close to your location. Dates involving fast food got more common after having kids…

]]> By: escapee http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-34334 escapee Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:13:46 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-34334 What's too frugal? Eating insects, that's what- forget being cheap at Fuddruckers :-) http://www.alternet.org/story/73621/ What’s too frugal? Eating insects, that’s what- forget being cheap at Fuddruckers :-)

http://www.alternet.org/story/73621/

]]> By: sfordinarygirl http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-34324 sfordinarygirl Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:01:54 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-34324 I had a similar conundrum as a child when ordering from Wendy's 99cents value meal. You can order a side salad or a baked potato, each are 99 cents and they let you dress the potato at the salad bar. So I added extras to the side salad and got in major trouble by the cashiers. What I don't understand is why they leave the salad bar so open for anyone to access. Heck, why not skip ordering the salad and just stock up at the salad bar. I had a similar conundrum as a child when ordering from Wendy’s 99cents value meal. You can order a side salad or a baked potato, each are 99 cents and they let you dress the potato at the salad bar. So I added extras to the side salad and got in major trouble by the cashiers. What I don’t understand is why they leave the salad bar so open for anyone to access. Heck, why not skip ordering the salad and just stock up at the salad bar.

]]> By: plonkee http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-34322 plonkee Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:00:03 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-34322 From my trip to the US about 6 weeks ago I'd say that I'm surprised anyone can manage to eat a whole portion of food. Split the burgers all you like. All you can drink soda might be a bit much but I won't tell if you won't. From my trip to the US about 6 weeks ago I’d say that I’m surprised anyone can manage to eat a whole portion of food. Split the burgers all you like. All you can drink soda might be a bit much but I won’t tell if you won’t.

]]> By: Living Off Dividends http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-34312 Living Off Dividends Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:53:51 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-34312 cut out the soda. it contains phosphoric acid which leaches the calcium out of your bones and teeth. plus the markups on it on the hundreds of percent! cut out the soda.

it contains phosphoric acid which leaches the calcium out of your bones and teeth.

plus the markups on it on the hundreds of percent!

]]> By: RateLadder http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-34256 RateLadder Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:34:12 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-34256 I've been to a qudoba in KY. Pretty darn good. I’ve been to a qudoba in KY. Pretty darn good.

]]> By: Sue http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/comment-page-1/#comment-34247 Sue Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:03:58 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/saving-money-at-fuddruckers-whats-too-frugal/#comment-34247 While I have no problem sharing a meal with my partner, I would like to say that unless traveling, we seldom dine out. We prefer to save dining out for special occasions such as our anniversary mostly because the food becomes so tiresome and it is not very healthy. I am an excellent cook (even if I do say so myself) and I like to know what is in my food. If a person must be frugal, why are they dining out at all? You can make a much better, much healthier, more romantic dinner at home than at some burger joint. If they are sharing simply because the restaurant serves a much larger portion than what they can eat, that makes more sense. While I have no problem sharing a meal with my partner, I would like to say that unless traveling, we seldom dine out. We prefer to save dining out for special occasions such as our anniversary mostly because the food becomes so tiresome and it is not very healthy. I am an excellent cook (even if I do say so myself) and I like to know what is in my food. If a person must be frugal, why are they dining out at all? You can make a much better, much healthier, more romantic dinner at home than at some burger joint. If they are sharing simply because the restaurant serves a much larger portion than what they can eat, that makes more sense.

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