I recently visited the Cheesecake Factory restaurant in Lincolnshire, IL for dinner with my family. We got there around 6:30pm, and by 7:30pm, we were seated and just being served our food. At this time, all the lights in the restaurant dimmed noticeably. We asked the waitress about this, and she stated that it was a timer set by corporate, and that the employees at the restaurant cannot turn the lights back up.

I understand the desire for mood lighting, but given that at 7:30pm, it is already quite dark outside, it made it nearly impossible to see our food. It makes for a rather less than wonderful experience when I can barely see my plate and have to use my cell phone as a flashlight to read my bill.

Other than the lighting, we had a very enjoyable meal. The food and drinks were great, and our server, Kate, was very nice and attentive. I would definitely eat there again, I'd just be more inclined to do so earlier in the day!

I would suggest that the individuals in corporate who control the lighting rethink this policy, and find a way to make the lighting change less drastic, or to give the employees the power to up the lights a bit if it is particularly dark outside.