Why do restaurants give water away for free?

Question

I am wondering the reason behind why restaurants give water away for free (e.g. mcdonald's, wendy's, etc.) Is there some sort of law regarding this or do they do it out of 'good will'/don't want to make customers mad?

Answer 1

I think its because they know most people want a soft drink instead of water because most americans are fat pigs who cannot drink water

Answer 2

It is the cups and straws that cost them money so I am sure it is a law

Answer 3

If I'm not mistaken, in the South, they usually won't charge for it, but if you go up North, they do. I'm not exactly sure why this is, but I have noticed it in my travels. =D

And there is the stereotype about how the South is hospitable. But this is just a guess.

Answer 4

alot of people dont drink water enless they have to.

Answer 5

because if you charged me water that you got out of the tap i would make it my life long goal to make your business fail

Answer 6

The water is just tap water from the sink.

Answer 7

I haven't noticed this.  When I order water at Wendy's to go with my burger, they charge me more, because it is apparently too much of a stretch to grab a plastic cup and stick it under the tap.  Instead?  $1.97 for a bottle of the same! It has been the same in the other fast food places I have been to, as well.  The water is not free.

They put out water in restaurants for hospitality reasons.  If you get super thirsty while waiting to order, you might walk out.

Answer 8

Only if you order food there.  Otherwise they will charge you for the cup.

Answer 9

because water is jus water you can get from like ummmm pretty much newhere n for them to sell it would be really stupid but thats jus my opinion........

Answer 10

ounce for ounce, its the cheapest liquid they could give you so they're not losing out on anything if they give it to you (from the tap, that is). Think about it this way, if they DIDN'T give it to you..it'd still end up getting used somehow (probably by getting flushed down the drain by the dishwasher)..so its not a big deal to them.  SOME places, however, will charge you between 10 and 25 cents for a cup, but the water in the cup is free.

Answer 11

ahhhh don't give them ideas! next thing you know, they'll charge for ketchup like in some restaurants in new zealand.

Answer 12

I think they do it because good will makes good business sense.  They'd have a hard time explaining why they'd charge you drink prices for less water than an employee uses to wash his hands.  I've seen places that charge a dime or a quarter for the go cup, but it's been a long time.  But I make sure I ask for "a cup of ice water" when I order (I prefer it to sweet drinks).  If you just order "a water", chances are you will get bottled and you'll be charged for it.

Answer 13

SHhhhhhhhhhhhh

Im Broke And I Need the free water.

And.. Its Water.. It Should be free unless it is bottled.

I Wouldn't eat at a place that charged for it.

(Long Johns.. Boycotted.. 10 Cents For Water.)

Answer 14

I think its probably b/c they know people will generally order a different drink which can average $2-$4 for non alcoholic. So they aren't really losing any money and it looks hospitable.