Restaurants’ Sneaky New Trick to Attract More Customers – It’s Super Effective!

You’ve likely seen them while scrolling through your phone’s photo gallery or browsing your Instagram or Facebook feed. Pictures of meals, snapped at restaurants by friends or even by you. But you might not have noticed something important: often, the dish bears the name of the restaurant. This practice, which is as old as time, is especially common in renowned Parisian restaurants like Le Dôme Montparnasse and the traditional bouillons. Today, it’s becoming a popular tactic among many trendy new spots, particularly those known as “neo-bistros.” These establishments are all about offering traditional French cuisine in a stylish, modern setting.

The strategy is straightforward: dishes personalized with the restaurant’s name are photographed by patrons. When these images are shared on social media or among friends, they serve as free advertising for the eateries. And if a celebrity or a highly-followed influencer visits, it can be a major windfall! Even if the location isn’t tagged, the plate will prominently display the name of the restaurant where your favorite actor had lunch. And there’s even more to it…

According to Candice Alvarez, a consultant for the NellyRodi agency and an expert on culinary trends, the approach extends far beyond simple branding. She believes that “everything becomes merchandising!” This includes an array of products associated with a brand or business. This is evident in an online store devoted entirely to restaurant-branded merchandise. From plates to wine glasses, canvas bags, t-shirts, and sweatshirts, a variety of items bearing the names of Parisian brasseries are available for purchase. These trendy logo items are not only worn by staff during service but are also part of the table setting in these neo-bistros. Every detail is carefully considered!

And it’s working! These bistros offer updated, modernized versions of classic French dishes and are enjoying tremendous success. It’s a winning formula, as a study by The Fork on 2025 culinary trends indicates that Parisian bistros will continue to be popular this year.