Just realized my neighborhood diner's 'specials' are algorithmically chosen now

I've been going to Rosie's Diner on Grand Avenue for maybe 12 years. Last month, I noticed the daily specials board started looking weird. Items like avocado toast and kale salads showing up next to the meatloaf. I asked the owner Rosie about it and she said they use a data service that tracks what people order on food apps nearby. She told me it boosts their lunch rush by about 15 percent. But here's the thing - I talked to three regulars and none of them ordered the new specials. We all just get the same stuff we always got. The specials change every day now based on some citywide data, not what's in the walk-in cooler. Has anyone else seen their local spots start doing this? Does it actually work for other people?

3 comments

3 Comments

lilya7618h ago

Rosie, does that data account for the regulars who never order the specials anyway?

max_torres4417h ago

I see what you're saying about the regulars who skip specials, but I think that's a smaller group than people assume. Most folks I know at least glance at the specials even if they usually stick with their usual order. That data still gives a pretty good picture of overall demand even if some regulars are immune to it.

emmaclark11h ago

Yeah but how do you really know though... are you basing that on something or just kinda guessing? Like have you seen actual numbers on how many regulars actually check the specials versus just ignoring them completely?