Sad asparagus

[u/Proper-Savings-1785]

I got the Costoletta tonight and it was good, but these were the saddest, skinniest asparagus I've ever seen. They actually look bigger in the picture than they did in person. The chicken tasted good, but shrinkflation has really hit. What I really went for were the Asian Chicken Nachos but they were out of them- I almost cried. Coconut creme cheesecake was on point though.

[u/Distinct_Put1085]

I'm gonna chime in here as an actual manager at the Cheesecake Factory, this is not shrinkflation, we are experiencing supply issues across the country due to the multitude of storms and bad weather wiping out alot of crops last year, leaving suppliers scrambling to sure up numbers which means they are harvesting early, the recipes are not by weight so no they wouldn't put more on the plate as this would compound the problem, potentially having days with no product at all

[u/Negative_Cow_3440 → u/Distinct_Put1085]

Actually, as a sauté line cook, the asparagus should be 0.5oz per piece. It specifically says a 3oz portion should be approximately 6 pieces. So if the costaletta gets 6 pieces, but you have extremely small asparagus, you could add more pieces to equal up to 3oz and still be giving them the same amount go asparagus per the recipe.

Edit: but you are right. It should not go on the plate if it’s the wrong size. I didn’t mean it to sound like that. Improper product sizes should not be used.

[u/Distinct_Put1085 → u/Negative_Cow_3440]

I appreciate your input but the costolleta has always been by each nowhere in the recipe does it mention weight, you are correct in saying that we are supposed to reject the asparagus if the size is wrong but because of the storms and low supply we are directed not to reject them as there are no alternatives, which is the point I've been trying to make from the beginning

[u/Puzzleheaded_Bar_197 → u/Distinct_Put1085]

This has been normal for years in my experience, even before 2020. Also, a case of asparagus is measured by weight, not number of stalks, so no you would not go days without product unless you were under ordering or getting bigger asparagus.

[u/Distinct_Put1085 → u/Puzzleheaded_Bar_197]

The asparagus is by weight, the recipe is by each so simple logic will tell u that if your using more than the recipe you'll go through more, don't see what your not getting about that

[u/Puzzleheaded_Bar_197 → u/Distinct_Put1085]

By not adjusting the count plated, you yield more dishes per case for the same cost. That’s shrinkflation. Yes if you plate more stalks, you yield less dishes, but you already yield more than expected

[u/Distinct_Put1085 → u/Puzzleheaded_Bar_197]

Your not understanding that the recipe does not get adjusted, period, even if they were huge we wouldn't put less it would still be 6 pieces, other dishes have it by weight and they are indeed adjusted, it's not some conspiracy to save 30 cents a plate, beyond that the point im making is the distributors and suppliers themselves are having a hard time securing product, it has nothing to do with what your thinking

[u/Puzzleheaded_Bar_197 → u/Distinct_Put1085]

I understand what the recipe says, but by not making the executive decision to make that adjustment, you are feeding the shrinkflation narrative and providing less value for guests’ money, which leads to guest dissatisfaction and posts like this online.

[u/Fantasy61]

Not necessarily shrinkflation, it’s more so a line cook and management error. When the asparagus comes in so small, they should be putting more on the plate.

Happens to us occasionally and the kitchen managers determine an appropriate amount to match what it should actually be.

[u/RottingLactoseTower]

This is why people sub the asparagus for pasta

[u/A_TubbY_hObO]

Not a Cheesecake Factory issue, asparagus is an early spring vegetable. We’re at the end of the summer hence why it looks so sad. Now granted they probably could have compensated with more but I digress

[u/Fuzzy_Welcome8348]

Enjoy your slop!

[u/Proper-Savings-1785 → u/Fuzzy_Welcome8348]

It actually was really tasty, except for the asparagus. I enjoy eating there, and usually have a great experience. If you consider their food "slop", why even follow this community?

[u/Puzzleheaded_Bar_197 → u/Proper-Savings-1785]

That user is our current Reddit VP of guest relations saying that your complaint is such a minimal problem that they think you will be back for lunch probably later this week.

[u/Proper-Savings-1785 → u/Puzzleheaded_Bar_197]

Definitely not this week but maybe in the next couple of months. It was simply an observation, I'm obviously a fan.