There are several reasons why a restaurant might give only one menu card per table but limit the number of forks, knives, and spoons:
Cost efficiency: Restaurants want to keep their costs down while still providing essential items for their customers. Menu cards are relatively inexpensive to produce in bulk, so providing one per table is cost-effective. On the other hand, cutlery can be more costly, so limiting the number of forks, knives, and spoons per table helps control expenses.
Hygiene and sanitation: By providing only one menu card per table, the restaurant can manage its resources more effectively. Multiple menus could get lost or become unhygienic, especially if customers handle them with dirty hands. Conversely, with limited cutlery, the restaurant can ensure that each piece is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between use.
Table layout and aesthetics: Having one menu card per table helps keep the table uncluttered and visually appealing. Multiple menus can create a mess, detract from the dining experience, and might not fit well within the table's design.
Service efficiency: Providing a menu card per table streamlines the ordering process for both customers and servers. It ensures that everyone at the table has access to the same information when making decisions about their orders. On the other hand, most dishes can be shared among diners, so a limited number of forks, knives, and spoons are generally sufficient.
Environmental impact: Restaurants may aim to reduce waste and be more environmentally conscious by minimizing the number of items provided per table. Providing fewer sets of cutlery can help reduce the overall waste generated during a meal service.
It's important to note that specific practices may vary from restaurant to restaurant, and some upscale or fine-dining establishments may provide a more luxurious dining experience with additional cutlery or personalized menu cards for each guest. Additionally, with the increasing use of digital technology, some restaurants might offer digital menus accessible through smartphones or tablets, further reducing the need for physical menu cards.