The Cheesecake Factory’s Original Menu Was Shockingly Small—And Missing This Iconic Dish!

Breaking Now News (BNN) – The Cheesecake Factory is famous for its massive menu loaded with over 250 items today. But back in the 1970s, the menu was just one page—and it didn’t even include the dessert that made them famous!

The Humble Beginnings: A One-Page Wonder

Founded in 1978 by Evelyn Overton, The Cheesecake Factory started as a small bakery in Beverly Hills. The original menu was surprisingly simple:

• Only one page long—a far cry from today’s novel-length selection.
• No cheesecake?! The restaurant’s signature dessert wasn’t even sold at first.
• Basic café items—think sandwiches, salads, and coffee.

The Missing Star: Cheesecake Wasn’t Always on the Menu

Believe it or not, the restaurant’s namesake dessert wasn’t initially served to customers. Evelyn perfected her cheesecake recipe in the 1940s, selling it to local businesses before opening her own shop. But when The Cheesecake Factory first launched, they focused on savory dishes—until demand forced them to add the famous dessert.

How the Menu Exploded (Literally)

From one page to hundreds of items, The Cheesecake Factory’s menu is now legendary for its size. Here’s how it grew:

1. 1978: Humble café-style offerings.
2. 1980s: Cheesecake added, becoming an instant hit.
3. 1990s–2000s: Expansion led to a bloated menu with global-inspired dishes.
4. Today: Over 250 items, including gluten-free and seasonal specials.

Why the Massive Menu Works

Despite critics calling it overwhelming, The Cheesecake Factory’s giant menu is a key part of its success. Diners love endless options, and the brand sticks to high-quality ingredients—including real whipped cream, never from a can.

What Do You Think?

• Is The Cheesecake Factory’s menu too big, or do you love having endless choices?
• Should restaurants focus on doing a few things well instead of offering hundreds of dishes?
• Would you still go to The Cheesecake Factory if they cut the menu in half?
• Controversial take: Are giant menus just a lazy way to avoid perfecting a core menu?