Via iStockphoto / @lifewithzenaandpatrick TikTok
A Florida couple shared in a viral video their secret to skipping the lines at The Cheesecake Factory when it's busy.
The Cheesecake Factory remains a popular and beloved casual dining chain. Its extensive menu mean there’s something for everyone. Its large portion sizes means customers get the best bang for their buck while getting to eat out. And, of course, its cheesecakes alone are enough to draw customers in. It’s no wonder the Cheesecake Factory often draws massive crowds and long wait times, especially on the weekends.
One Florida couple shared their secret to skipping the lines and securing a table during these rushes.
What’s Their Cheesecake Factory Hack?
The video posted by a husband and wife, Zena and Patrick (@lifewithzenaandpatrick), on Aug. 31 showcases an Orlando Cheesecake Factory location jam-packed with customers in the lobby, waiting for an available table.
Then, the clip cuts to the couple sitting in their car. “OK, so as you saw, that was the line to get into The Cheesecake Factory,” Zena says. “People standing in that stupid line for two hours plus,” Patrick chimes in. “No cheesecake in this world is worth two hours.”
According to the couple, they discovered a “secret hack” several years ago.
While this hack come in handy for them, they shared it has also irritated their fellow Cheesecake Factory patrons.
“The round high-top tables in the bar—that’s game free for all,” Zena says.
They shared that they visually pressure seated patrons. “You just stand there and you stare at them,” Patrick explains. “You make them as uncomfortable as you can so they hurry up and leave.”
Once those customers leave, they swoop in and claim the table.
‘I Would Order Extra Food And Stare Back’
The video amassed over 723,000 views and didn’t bode well with viewers. Many were outraged, putting themselves in the shoes of the customers who felt forced out of their seats.
“If you stare at me, I’m gonna take even longer,” one viewer remarked.
“I’m a Petty Betty. I would order extra food and stare back,” a second added.
“Please, I would stare back and purposely chew slowly,” a third echoed.
Meanwhile, others who were already aware of this practice opt for the bar seat.
“I always go straight to the bar,” one commenter said.
“I’ve done that at other restaurants and the people waiting. Give me the evil eye because they don’t know that trick lol,” another stated.
@lifewithzenaandpatrick POV: The Cheesecake Factory says it’s a 2-HOUR wait… but you know the trick. 👀😂 We’ve been doing this for YEARS and it worked again last night. Did you already know this one?! 👇 #CheesecakeFactory #RestaurantHack #FoodTok #LifeHack #dinnerhack
Are Bar Seats Up For Grabs?
Typically speaking, yes. In fact, Tasting Table dubbed this “the ultimate restaurant hack” back in 2023 for a reason. Because the bar operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, you can seat yourself in any readily available table the moment you walk in. You don’t have to wait on a server since the bartender can take your order. The best part? Sometimes, your meal may arrive relatively quickly if it’s not super busy.
There are some exceptions. Depending on how luxurious a restaurant is and where it’s located, you may have to reserve the bar seat. Although this concept of reserving a bar seat has been around since the 2010s, it started picking up momentum during the pandemic but remained in place in some San Francisco and New York City establishments, per Wasserstrom.
Ultimately, the best course of action is to make a reservation ahead of time to guarantee a spot in the restaurant. After all, it’s what the Cheesecake Factory recommended in the comments section of Zena and Patrick’s TikTok. “Orrrrr… you can always make a reservation through our app!” the restaurant wrote.
BroBible reached out to the couple via Instagram direct message and TikTok comment.