http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries...8_ST_N.htm

I'm sure something like this is going on somewhere else in the world. Just curious if anyone's seen something like this in Japan (or your own native country)? It caught my eye mainly because, here in the States, Panera Bread is actually a pretty big restaurant chain (and not the cheapest place to eat either), and a lot of people are wondering if it'll work or not. I think it's an interesting concept. What do you think? If there's nothing like this in your country, do you think a non-profit location would work out?

It's a conspiracy by the Money Masters to get people fat from carbs. It's even more devious than that machine in grocery stores designed solely to generate the smell of baking bread.

I think it's an awesome idea but I seriously doubt it's going to work out. Just a few abusers will be enough to close it down.

I've seen something like that at a restaurant in Dallas (actually, Arlington, but whatever).

You ate as much as you want and paid whatever you felt like. The store was run by some graduate from a nearby chef's school and was into that whole local organic seasonal movement. The only rules were to bus your own plates and to finish all your food.

That was where I had the greatest salad I've ever eaten.

I remember paying $25. I don't remember what was standard.

Whilst there's no direct pressure to pay at a place like that, the social pressure to conform and the stigma of taking something from what is essentially a charity will be great. I think it'll succeed because it's not really worth cheating. Plenty of people will eat there and pay over the odds because they know where the money goes and it's a social way to be charitable.

Blahah Wrote:Whilst there's no direct pressure to pay at a place like that, the social pressure to conform and the stigma of taking something from what is essentially a charity will be great. I think it'll succeed because it's not really worth cheating. Plenty of people will eat there and pay over the odds because they know where the money goes and it's a social way to be charitable.

All it takes is one sociopath to ruin everything.

[ファブリス]

This system can work, especially in developed countries. It's working all around the world for the "Dhamma" meditation retreats led by S.N. Goenka. We all have in us the ability to make this work. I hope it's going to pick up.

I'm not an economist but.. doesn't such a system allow for better repartition of wealth? People who can easily pay will pay for the most part, for the good feeling. People who can't, get to eat.

@Tobberoth: I'd say it's the money who makes people abusive. When you pay a set price you feel like you don't owe anything, and you may not even feel any gratitude. Exchanging services, and giving, creates bonds and community. It makes people feel more connected to each other.

Quote:"I don't think the honor bar system will work nationally," says Marian Salzman, a trends consultant. "While young people are very much attuned to helping out and making a difference, if they find themselves sitting next to other customers with whom they don't feel comfortable, they're not coming back."

How nice! It's not like they're suggestion doing this for 5 star restaurants are they? (*rolls eyes*).