Who's at fault? And how can I help?

[Ilovebigcats]

As you all know.. I have a BIG family. There are lots of big families in our area. We see them quite often. Businesses absolutely do NOT think of big families. Eating out, shopping, portion sizes at the grocery, hotels, vehicles, attractions, etc...

Who's at fault?

I watch the show Little People, Big World. The Dad travels and speaks to businesses about helping Little People. I rarely see Little People around here but he has made a business of educating companies on how to help and cater to the Little People of the world. I think it is great. I have learned some things myself.

Sometimes I think I could do the same in regards to big families. How do you get started with something like that? I know a few restaurants that I could teach a few things to! Grocery stores as well. Don't get me started on cars, attractions, and hotels. Pshh.

If I had the money to get started I could build an AWESOME business based on big families. With online shopping and large warehouse type stores where you can buy in various groups and picnic type eating available... I could make some serious dough.

You know me... full of ideas... no outlet. Except my blog... where I went on a small rant.

[INLOVE]

I think there is already a business for that. I think it is called Trojan. Just kidding. I think you have a good idea, but it sounds like a lot of work. I wouldn't have a clue on how to tell you to get started. Good luck though!!

[Ilovebigcats]

I think there is already a business for that. I think it is called Trojan.

Too late for that!

[Pastor Gary]

You might start by doing your homework. Dig around and see if you can find census/statistical data on how many families have more than X-number of children... 4? 5? 6?

Then search for stats on the economic impact of big families. Realizing that your family is not the societal norm, you are invisible to decision makers, so you have to focus on raising awareness and visibility. Keep in mind, though, that most big families are very budget conscious. Think about the economic impact of gays (3%-7% of the population depending upon whose figures you believe)- they have enormous buying power for a relatively tiny demographic. Big families are also, I would imagine, a pretty small segment of the general population, yet have less economic impact per capita... At least my gut instinct says so.

[AndyG]

There is a restaurant Near Winston-Salem NC called Hillbilly HideAway that does something like what you are talking about.

It is a "Family-Style" restaurant with large as well as small tables and booths. The food is served in big bowls like a Sunday Lunch at Grandma's house and includes everything from Salt-cured ham, Turkey, and Fried Chicken to Greensm ocra, Creen Beans and Corn bread or rolls. Dessert (Banna Pudding, Chocolate Cake, and more Pies than you can count) and drinks are included for one price.

They bring out full bowls of an appropriate size for the group and keep filling them (with less and less to reduce waste) When the whole family, including grandkids, is together in Winston, we end up there at least once. There is always a wait as the food is good and the place isn't huge, but it is worth it.

They open for Supper Monday through Saturday night and Lunch on Sunday. There is a small building behing the restaurant where at least once a week, usually Fri or Sat, there is live music from about 8pm to midnight. It's almost always Blue Grass or a mix of Scottish/Irish mountain music.

If the food is good and the tables big, I can see that working almost anywhere

[Billy n NC]

There is a restaurant Near Winston-Salem NC called Hillbilly HideAway that does something like what you are talking about.
If the food is good and the tables big, I can see that working almost anywhere

Been there, Did That , Listened to the Music and had the bellyache....LOL

Great place.. Yes there family style food places but they are few and far between.

[DaJudge]

I think what Gary is saying in a tactful way is that there ain't many of you, and you are, by necessity, cheap. So there arent' many restaurants, hotels, etc. who are going to want you. And really, why should they, when they can improve the bottom line by catering to more lucrative groups.

As for your business idea:

With online shopping and large warehouse type stores where you can buy in various groups and picnic type eating available... I could make some serious dough.

It's called Sams Club. Look into it.

[Ilovebigcats]

I think what Gary is saying in a tactful way is that there ain't many of you, and you are, by necessity, cheap. So there arent' many restaurants, hotels, etc. who are going to want you. And really, why should they, when they can improve the bottom line by catering to more lucrative groups.

As for your business idea:

With online shopping and large warehouse type stores where you can buy in various groups and picnic type eating available... I could make some serious dough.

It's called Sams Club. Look into it.

I'm not cheap. I am looking for a good deal though.

Sam's club isn't sufficient with clothing and regular grocery shopping... but yeah, if I want 72 chicken tenders then that is the place to go. I wont even mention the cost of my family joining Sam's Club. Pshhh..

[DaJudge]

I wont even mention the cost of my family joining Sam's Club. Pshhh..

They don't charge per person, so it's the same as it costs my (more moderately sized) family.

[Ilovebigcats]

I wont even mention the cost of my family joining Sam's Club. Pshhh..

They don't charge per person, so it's the same as it costs my (more moderately sized) family.

It still too much to pay just to have stuff in bulk. I can shop at Walmart for free and get the same deals.

[Alan]

I think what Gary is saying in a tactful way is that there ain't many of you, and you are, by necessity, cheap.

It isn't just individual families that this would apply to. When we get together with my wifes family we always run into the same problems. When you get my wifes parents, her oldest brother, his wife, and thier 3 kids, her little sister and her husband, her other brother, myself, her, and our 2 kids you've got a large group and we always run into problems when going out.

We even run into problems when we all go camping since so many places only want 6 people (usually specified as 2 adults 4 kids) to a campsite, even though they'll tell you they allow a camper and a tent (our camper sleeps .

[DaJudge]

I think what Gary is saying in a tactful way is that there ain't many of you, and you are, by necessity, cheap.

It isn't just individual families that this would apply to. When we get together with my wifes family we always run into the same problems. When you get my wifes parents, her oldest brother, his wife, and thier 3 kids, her little sister and her husband, her other brother, myself, her, and our 2 kids you've got a large group and we always run into problems when going out.

We even run into problems when we all go camping since so many places only want 6 people (usually specified as 2 adults 4 kids) to a campsite, even though they'll tell you they allow a camper and a tent (our camper sleeps .

I have a large extended family too, and when we go out, we split up into a few separate tables if we have to. We go to places like Cracker Barrel, Golden Corral and Fazolis that are more friendly to a large group. But we don't expect the restaurant to drop everything to cater to us.

[Ilovebigcats]

I have a large extended family too, and when we go out, we split up into a few separate tables if we have to. We go to places like Cracker Barrel, Golden Corral and Fazolis that are more friendly to a large group. But we don't expect the restaurant to drop everything to cater to us.

I don't expect to be catered to but I do expect good service and adequate seating when I am paying. I have NEVER got a good seat at Cracker Barrel! Golden Corral has loads of seating period. Fazoli's is always empty so of course a group could fit in there. I can't even get a good seat for 8 at most restaurants.

[Pastor Gary]

I have a large extended family too, and when we go out, we split up into a few separate tables if we have to. We go to places like Cracker Barrel, Golden Corral and Fazolis that are more friendly to a large group. But we don't expect the restaurant to drop everything to cater to us.

I don't expect to be catered to but I do expect good service and adequate seating when I am paying. I have NEVER got a good seat at Cracker Barrel! Golden Corral has loads of seating period. Fazoli's is always empty so of course a group could fit in there. I can't even get a good seat for 8 at most restaurants.

Okay, I can see the problem, and you make some valid points... but look at it from the restaurant/servers' viewpoint.

You come in with 8 people and order: some of your meals may be kid's portions, or (as some families do) share and entree. A second area has 2 couples + a family of four. Statistically, will ypur server or the server with the 3 tables get the larger tip?

[Ilovebigcats]

I have a large extended family too, and when we go out, we split up into a few separate tables if we have to. We go to places like Cracker Barrel, Golden Corral and Fazolis that are more friendly to a large group. But we don't expect the restaurant to drop everything to cater to us.

I don't expect to be catered to but I do expect good service and adequate seating when I am paying. I have NEVER got a good seat at Cracker Barrel! Golden Corral has loads of seating period. Fazoli's is always empty so of course a group could fit in there. I can't even get a good seat for 8 at most restaurants.

Okay, I can see the problem, and you make some valid points... but look at it from the restaurant/servers' viewpoint.

You come in with 8 people and order: some of your meals may be kid's portions, or (as some families do) share and entree. A second area has 2 couples + a family of four. Statistically, will ypur server or the server with the 3 tables get the larger tip?

My whole point is that I shouldn't be penalized for having a large family? Who set the family of 4 boundary? We rarely go places that are crowded. So there are open tables most of the time right beside us but they would rather squeeze us in than let us spread out hoping that someone may come in. We don't share food. All the kids order a kids meal and Danny and I order entrees. We tip well. A few times we have been charged the gratuity because we are a party of 8 or more. It is the same as if a single parent of 3 came in. That isn't too far fetched. The 2 parties of single parents with 3 kids. They would be treated better than us in seating. Same food. Same tip. Just because we are together doesn't mean we should get shafted.