High-Earning Diners Seeking 'Adult Happy Meals'

Summary

Bloomberg's Sarah Foster joins Scarlet Fu and Tom Keene to discuss the rising trend of 'adult happy meals' at upscale restaurants. High-earning professionals in finance and tech are seeking curated, simplified menus with fixed prices that replace the toy with a cocktail. The trend leverages social media appeal, visual appeal, and a sense of exclusivity, with some restaurants offering hidden deals only to those in the know.

• Restaurants across the US are offering 'adult happy meals' with a burger, fries, and a drink at a set price.
• The trend targets high-earning diners in finance and tech, not value-menu consumers.
• The adult version often replaces the toy with a cocktail and emphasizes visual appeal for social media.
• Fixed-price curated menus simplify ordering for diners facing decision fatigue and streamline restaurant supply chains.
• Some deals are hidden or unadvertised, adding a layer of prestige and exclusivity.
• One restaurant pulled the advertised deal due to high demand but still sells it to those who ask.