Now You Know Why You Can No Longer Eat At Houston’s
Posted: November 30th, 2009 | Filed under: Feed, Well, What Did You Expect?Launched in July 2008, the rules require calorie listings at any chain with substantially similar menus and more than 15 locations nationwide.
That largely affects fast-food outlets such as McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts — but it also covers some high-priced steakhouses and other top-end eateries with just a handful of New York locations.
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“These laws started in McDonald’s, and I think they should stay in McDonald’s,” said tourist Michelle Dedriazia, 49, of Pittsburgh, who likes visiting fancy steakhouses when she comes to New York.
“If you are going to a nice place, you should not be told this type of information. I don’t know why they do this in New York City. It doesn’t make sense.”
None of the upscale eateries contacted by the Daily News responded to requests for comment. But one California-based chain was so opposed to the requirement that it changed its name and menu just to get around the rules.
Houston’s renamed its two Manhattan locations “Hillstone” late last year and changed the recipes of several items after the rules took effect. When Health Department officials charged the chain with violating the law, Houston’s successfully brought in cooks and executives to prove the offerings at its Park Ave. South and E. 53rd St. locations are different.
“We, after meeting with them, withdrew the violation,” said Tom Merrill, general counsel for the Health Department.