The Incredible Costless Abundance of Macaroni Grill’s Free Bread | Bon Appétit

"Known for its rosemary peasant bread, the brand produces roughly 100,000 loaves per week from a centralized kitchen that ships parbaked, frozen loaves to its U.S. locations to preserve a crusty exterior and light, airy interior across varying altitudes. The bread has inspired copycat recipes and frequent listicles, creating widespread nostalgia; company research found bread to be one of the most universally loved parts of the dining experience. Although served complimentary in-restaurant, the economics are folded into menu pricing and to-go loaves are sold for a small fee, reflecting how the item functions as both a cultural touchstone and a deliberate part of the guest experience." - BySarah Jampel