Things You Need to Know

Business Etiquette

Managing the Business Lunch

June 18, 2006

If you are a new recruit or a summer associate and you’ve been invited to a business lunch, your host or hostess may select the restaurant where you will dine. Or they may just ask, "Where would you like to go?" In the latter case, avoid chossing the most expensive restaurant in town (you don’t want to appear frivolous when dining on the company or firm’s dime).

Upon arriving at the restaurant, as you navigate the menu, remember the following:

Avoid selecting the most or least expensive items on the menu;

Avoid selecting any item that is difficult or messy to eat;

Avoid selecting any item that you are completely unfamiliar with--a business lunch is not the best time to learn that you are allergic to a particular food.

As to your beverage order, it it’s a business lunch, your safest bet is to stick with water, ice tea or soda. Save cocktails, beer and wine for after business hours entertating.