Restaurant leftovers spark debate about food, boxes and takeout etiquette - ORSOLTECH

Restaurant portions can be enormous today, so it's no surprise that those eating out feel very full with… Half their meal It's still on the plate.

In these scenarios, servers often show up with a “box” or “doggy bag” ready to properly house leftovers for customers’ convenience.

But while taking the leftovers From a restaurant Common in the United States, less common in other countries. There are some places, such as buffets, where there are no to-go boxes.

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Two restaurant industry professionals shared their views on when it's okay — and when it's not — to order a takeout box after a meal.

Here are three controversial issues.

1. Is extra bread fair game?

In some restaurant chains, such as the Cheesecake Factory, Texas Roadhouse, and… Red lobster – The complimentary bread served before the meal is as much a draw as the appetizer itself.

Is it okay to take leftover bread home after a meal? (Istock)

But is it at all ok to take Leftover bread Home after meal?

At least one restaurant industry professional said it was good.

“It doesn't bother me,” Ohio resident Brad Friedlander told Fox News Digital.

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“The fact that (customers) want it, that they love it so much and want to take it home, I feel a little relieved by that,” he added.

Friedlander also said bread is “built into” his restaurant model.

Close-up of delivery man delivering a piece of foam lunch box.

One restaurant owner told Fox News Digital that he would be “flattered” if someone took home the free bread from the table. (Istock)

Another person disagreed with this assessment.

Kelly Ferrell, an Atlanta restaurateur, said she personally is “not a big bagel fan” — and that, as a dining out customer, she wouldn't take home free bagels from a restaurant.

“I get it,” she said, noting that the menus served at Texas Roadhouse are “one of her favorites.”

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“I think it's a little fun,” she told Fox News Digital.

But she added that taking bread from the restaurant is “prohibited” for her.

2. How many boxes is too many?

Some diners wonder if they're too needy if they order separate boxes for separate items, rather than packing everything into one big box.

One restaurateur said it was about “making the experience more comfortable (for people) and making sure they feel valued.” (Istock)

Both Ferrell and Friedlander told Fox News Digital that this is not a big problem.

“In my job, I tell employees I don’t want them to say ‘no’ to anything as long as we can do it,” Friedlander said.

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Ferrell, who restaurants Focus on breakfastBreakfast and Lunch, she said she has started ordering smaller boxes to meet those requests from customers.

“I don't think it could be more annoying,” she said. “I think it's about knowledge — just making the guest experience more comfortable for (people) and making sure they feel valued.”