Why are some restaurants stingy with the napkins?

Question

About a week ago, I went with my boyfriend, my friend and her hubby to Buffalo Wild Wings. We ordered sandwiches, cheesy fries, wings, and of course plenty of sauce. We were about halfway through the meal when I noticed that the only napkins we had were the tiny ones that went with our drinks, and we were making quite a mess lol.

I love B-Dubs and I have nothing against anyone who works there or at any other sit-down restaraunt (because that's not the only place I've noticed it happening).. But if 4 people order messy sauce-covered wings, fries and sandwiches, wouldn't it be smart to give them more than one pitiful drink napkin?

Answer 1

Most places when they order them they are really expensive and so they do the amount supposed to help keep food cost down.

Answer 2

I honestly don't think that paper napkins are very expensive, if those are the kind you are talking about, though they probably do get in a limited amount which is essential that they hand out a select number so as not to run out before the next shipment.

It could also be possible that the restaurant has a flawed policy on napkin dispensing especially in considering the food they serve.

Answer 3

For some people, that's enough, somehow.

Did you think to ask for more napkins?

I can see why they wouldn't do that, even if they had those meals. They don't want the napkins to be wasted.