If you have ever been seated near the restrooms or tucked away in a dim corner of a restaurant, you might have wondered about the reasoning behind such placements. According to Hollywood actress Jennifer Garner, there is a deliberate strategy at play—one that prioritizes aesthetics over equality. Garner recently disclosed a little-known industry secret that could reshape how diners perceive their restaurant experiences.
The 'Merchandising' of Restaurant Patrons
During an appearance on the Dish Podcast, hosted by broadcaster Nick Grimshaw and Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett, Garner shared insights from her early career as a hostess. She explained that she was instructed to "merchandise" the establishment, akin to arranging products on retail shelves. This involved strategically placing "beautiful people" in specific, highly visible areas to create an appealing atmosphere.
Celebrity Preferences and Customer Displacement
Garner elaborated, stating, "I had to put the beautiful people in one area!" She confirmed that celebrities and attractive individuals were given prime tables, while others might be relocated to accommodate them. For instance, she recalled how comedian Steve Martin had a preferred table, and she would sometimes need to move diners mid-meal, offering complimentary calamari as compensation. This practice often left customers confused, especially during intimate moments like dates.
Industry-Wide Tactics and Terminology
Chef Angela Hartnett acknowledged familiarity with such tactics, noting that in some major restaurants, less desirable seating areas are colloquially termed "Siberia." This refers to sections outside the central, visible zones where those seeking attention are placed. Nick Grimshaw expressed astonishment, remarking that this revelation would make him reconsider every restaurant visit.
Documentary Evidence and Ethical Concerns
This phenomenon is not confined to the United States. A 2016 Channel 4 documentary series, 'Tricks of the Restaurant Trade,' tested this theory in upscale London restaurants. The show arranged for a group of models to enter three establishments, and in each case, they were seated at premium, prominent tables. In contrast, co-host Adam Pearson, who has neurofibromatosis, and a companion were either placed at rear tables or turned away entirely. The restaurants involved were not named in the programme.
Adam Pearson described the practice as "disappointing," highlighting potential discrimination based on appearance. Chef Simon Rimmer, a presenter on the documentary, confirmed that this is standard industry practice. He explained, "Every restaurant has a golden table where they sit the best-looking customers. A restaurant's clientele give off a certain message about the place. Good-looking customers attract more people and make you more cash, so you sit them where they can be seen."
This revelation raises important questions about fairness and ethics in the hospitality sector. While businesses may prioritize profitability, such seating strategies can inadvertently marginalize patrons based on physical appearance. As diners become more aware of these tactics, they may start to question the transparency and inclusivity of their favorite dining spots.
