THF – Why The Large Drink Matters (repost)
I posted this a while back, but since there are a lot of new readers around these here parts, I thought I would repost it. It is one of my favorites!
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Maybe you have been here before.
Whenever I go to a restaurant that offers different sizes of drinks, I always opt for the largest drink they have. And like clockwork, someone in my party will make the comment “You get free refills, so why do you need to get the large?”. I can’t stress enough how this comment sends me to a place I don’t want to be, simply because I feel like I am being judged for my plastic cup size preference.
There are many reasons to go for the large. First of all, it is usually only $.20 more then the small or medium, and the increase in available fluid space is well worth it.
But my number-one reason that I always fire back with when interrogated of my motives is quite simple. It is something I have given the term “THF”. “THF”, you say? Yes, THF. It stands for “Take Home Factor. Let me explain.
Take two people who both get fountain drinks during an evening dining at Chick Fil-A. Person A gets the small drink, person B gets the lovely large drink. Dinner goes great, both discuss the superiority of Chick Fil-A to any other fast food establishment despite the slightly higher prices. All is well. At the end of the meal, both parties fill up on their drink before leaving.
Assuming both people drink at approximately the same speed, person A will run out of beverage long before person B. Imagine if you go home afterwards to watch a movie. Person A will most likely have to get up during your movie for some water (or another beverage of their choice). Person A will be fully hydrated during the entire picutre. So, for around $.20 more, person B will have quenched thirst far longer than person A. Because the large drink was purchased, you have a longer period of time before you have to tap into your own supply. In effect, you are saving money by spending money.
So, next time someone accosts you for ordering the large drink, make sure you inform them of the THF.
That is a good idea. Those cups are way to big though. Hard to lug around, you almost need to have wheels on them.
I’ve tried explaining the THF to others before and most of the time it just doesn’t click. However, lately, I’ve noticed that if I do manage to get the big cup, I usually only get through half of it before the ice melts and it’s watered down too much to be tasty or cold anymore and then usually gets tossed. So the THF must also be mediated by the LF, liquidation factor. Don’t you think?
Btw, I wholeheartedly agree with your Chick-Fil-A assertion. In fact, I’m rather disappointed that as I sit in the middle of New Orleans, the closest Chick-Fil-A is much closer to the airport (miles and miles away) than to the Big (Sl)Easy itself. I was really looking forward to it.
@Steve – I agree to an extent. For example, I think anything over 44oz really is overkill. Chances are it won’t fit into the cup holder.
@jofusthaniel – Good call on the LF. I tend to drink a lot of whatever beverage I have, and am usually done before it melts. That is not a factor too often, but it certainly has been in the past, so I know exactly what you are talking about. And as far as Chick Fil A goes, I am really sorry to hear that.
Chick-Fil-A had styrofoam cups the last time I was there, which would hold the ice longer before it melted. Kids change this theory drastically. If I bring anything home, they end up eating or drinking it. These kids and caffeine are a deadly conbination.
We don’t have Chick-Fil-A in Minnesota. I’ve never seen or tasted this food before.
@morethananelectrician – Yes, the styrofoam cups are just one of many examples of the superiority of Chick Fil A.
@Steve – Chick Fil A is a classy fast food place that specializes in chicken sandwiches, amazing waffle fries, and other great food. If you EVER get a chance to go, please do. It is the best there is.
Yes, the take home factor is VERY important! It’s one of the reasons I just can’t get a small size Starbucks. They always ask, “Would you like the larger size for 20 cents more?” And how can I resist a mere 20 additional cents?
It’s like they are after your own heart.
Two words, Mug Madness. I learned from a very wise gentleman who passed this column of a liquid tote on to me that the THF is important. However, the only greivance I have with this theory is that if in fact the night plays out as described. Time saved from multiple trips to fill up at said restaurant would eventually be lost in trips made to the bathroom. Factor in water-usage from flushes, handwashing, etc…and your eating away at your $.20.
Good call on the trips to the bathroom. I still think that it is worth it though to have a tasty beverage for as long as you can. It just brings me so much happiness.
This Mug Madness you speak of… It rings a bell.