Gen Z customers learn costly lesson after restaurant steaks labeled 'MKT' add up to startling bill

A group of Gen Z diners learned a tough and unexpected lesson in restaurant pricing after unknowingly ordering steaks labeled MKT and ended up paying a hefty price A young woman named Aribella Menold posted a TikTok video about the ordeal in June She was dining at a North Carolina restaurant with her siblings when they decided to order two steaks Their total bill came to including a credit card surcharge and sales tax BARTENDERS SPILL THE BEANS ON GEN Z'S 'ANNOYING' DRINK-BY-DRINK PAYMENT HABITThe culprits she noted were two -ounce New York strip steaks labeled MKT that ended up costing each The total also included a kale salad including for grilled chicken and a kid's grilled cheese meal POV You didn't know what 'MKT' meant on the steak menu and now you're paying for it she captioned the video which proved the dinner party's stunned reactions Menold narrated Newsweek she thought the steaks would cost or at largest part 'FRIDGE CIGARETTE' IS GEN Z'S NEW DIET COKE OBSESSION THAT CONCERNS HEALTHCARE EXPERTS Our grandpa ended up paying for it which was so sweet of him mentioned the -year-old college participant Fox News Digital reached out to Menold for further comment On TikTok the video drew reactions ranging from sympathetic to critical Eleven bucks to add grilled chicken is wild a money-conscious viewer observed Unless you're rich don't buy items off a menu if they don't have a price one person advised SCAM LEAVES RESTAURANT WAITRESS STUNNED AS DINERS LAUGH IN HER FACE 'WHY IS THIS THE NORM 'Another chimed in If you have to ask the area price you can't afford it Just order something else But the Gen Zers weren't the only ones unfamiliar with the MKT designation What does 'mkt' mean one curious user appealed MKT means it's a scam and they can charge you whatever they want a cynic replied But is realm pricing a scam or is it a way for restaurants to stay in business while offering premium items Hal Lawlor chief operating officer of Smokey Bones a casual-dining chain that operates dozens of barbecue joints across the U S spoke to Fox News Digital about territory pricing CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERSome restaurants choose sector pricing because premium items can vary significantly in size and price throughout the year the Florida-based business executive commented This fluctuation is influenced by factors such as seasonal availability field demand and sourcing conditions he reported Steaks and lobster rolls are just a sparse summer favorites that are often labeled MKT and Lawlor published that the size cut and overall price of these types of meats may change at the time of purchase For more Lifestyle articles visit foxnews com lifestyleHe also encouraged customers to stay informed and not to be shy when it comes to asking the server how much a lobster roll or high-end steak costs At Smokey Bones our servers are trained to inform guests of the price of items marked as domain price so there are never any surprises on the bill he noted If you find yourself at a restaurant that does not provide this information automatically don't hesitate to ask the server for the price