A new way of looking at dessert

I used to work in a restaurant where we were always pressured to sell desserts to guests.

Problem was... after a big meal, not many people had room for dessert.  Especially not the huge desserts that my restaurant carried - that were too way rich for just one person to eat.

Don't get me wrong; the desserts were amazing and I highly recommended them. 

But it's hard to convince someone to spend $4-5 on an extra treat when they're already full.

So, I really love the new desserts at Applebee's.  They're small, shot-glass sized versions of their regular desserts.

Here's why it's brilliant:

The small size makes it seem like a treat, not an indulgence.
Dessert is not a waistline-ruining decision, it's a fun way to end the meal.

They're only $1.99 instead of $4. 
That's much easier to justify.  Plus, it's an easy way to sample desserts without the risk of getting one you don't like.

No more arguing over which dessert to buy.
If he wants death by chocolate and she wants the strawberry cheesecake... not a problem!

The mini desserts are just cute! 
Look at them!  Don't you want one?  I do.

I bet Applebee's sells a lot more desserts this way than they did before.  Definitely a good idea!

Comments

[Cedric]

Hey! I recognized those deserts! Applebees. Right?
I used to be an assistant kitchen manager for one in big rapids, Michigan.

Oh yeah, I agree.

Side note, I'm highly interested in creativity.
I see you have a couple of books on your site. Any other suggestions you might have, please share.
Thanks in advance, Cedric

[Derek]

I actually don't like Applebees at all, but I love the marketing insight behind shot glass sized deserts.

This is a great example of a large company willing to try new things to further their success.

[Kimberly]

I like shot glass desserts when I'm watching my weight. I find sugar substitutes a little nauseating.

[Drew Boyd]

Hi Katie. This is a great example of the DIVISION tool within the SIT method. There are three versions of division, and this one is called "preserving" division, where the new invention preserves the characteristics of the original. It is a bit like six-packs of soda or beer. The marketing advantages of this are quite clear as you point out.