Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing

Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing

Don't Ask "Do You Want Extra Fries With That?" Just Give Them More Than They Ordered

The Extra Fries Principle: Giving Your Readers More Than They Ordered

Mark Leslie Lefebvre's avatar
Mark Leslie Lefebvre
May 11, 2026
∙ Paid

I know it’s not new, but it’s something that’s come onto my radar lately. There’s a practice that the FIVE GUYS burger chain has been doing since they first opened in order to delight customers with a bit of a surprise.

When you get your order that includes fries you’ll notice that not only is the little paper cup of fries filled to the brim, but there a…

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