Downtown on Thursdays, once our line hits 12 people, Square shows our next-hour sales jump about 18% compared to when it stays under 6. Is there a food service term or bit of trivia for this social proof effect in QSR or food trucks, and has anyone used it deliberately without wrecking throughput?
In QSR it’s “the line is the sign” — social proof/queue signaling (Social proof - Wikipedia). Cap the visible queue at about 8–10 with a short stanchion so it looks busy but bounded, and keep waits under 5 min with a handheld runner; past about 7 min the boost often reverses. What’s your ticket time once the line crosses 12?