You can boost value by suggesting the enlarge-it option when a customer orders a combo meal.

Outline for the article

• Open with a relatable scene: the quick-serve counter, a hungry customer, and how one small nudge can change the meal.

• Core idea: When a customer orders a combo, the best quick-serve upsell is the enlarge-it option.

• Why it works: aligns with the current order, is simple, boosts value, and improves margins.

• Quick comparison: dessert, appetizer, extra sandwich — why they’re not always ideal for every combo.

• How to present it: practical phrasing, timing, tone, and a few sample lines.

• Real-world tips for cashiers and teams: training vibes, POS prompts, and the value of visual cues.

• A few tangents that matter: impact on speed, inventory awareness, and how tech can help without feeling pushy.

• Gentle close: the enlarge-it option as a smart, customer-friendly move that pays off for guests and for the restaurant.

Article: The smart upsell that fits every combo

Let me paint you a quick picture. You’re behind the counter at a busy quick-serve joint. A customer just says they want a standard combo—the burger, the fries, and a drink. The clock is ticking, orders are piling up, and you have a little window to make the meal feel bigger, better, and even more satisfying. The key move isn’t some flashy add-on that derails the flow; it’s a simple nudge: offer an enlarge-it option. In other words, upsell by giving the customer the chance to grab a larger portion or bigger drink, without complicating their order.

Why the enlarge-it option clicks so well with a combo

• It matches the moment. The customer already chose a combo. They’re thinking “I’ve got what I want—do I want a touch more?” The enlarge-it option slides right into that mindful moment. It’s not a totally new decision; it’s a natural extension of what they’ve already picked.

• It feels like value, not pressure. When a bigger fry restart or a taller drink appears on the screen, it reads as "more for roughly the same price" rather than an overt upsell. People like value. They love not overpaying, but they also enjoy getting more for their money.

• It’s quick for you, not just for them. The addition is straightforward for the cashier and easy to process with the POS. If you’re using a system like Toast or Square, the prompt can pop up at the exact moment the combo is rung in, keeping the line moving and the vibe positive.

• It tends to boost margins without alienating customers. The enlarge-it option often carries a healthier margin than other add-ons because the incremental cost of a larger size is relatively modest. The customer walks away with more food or drink, and the restaurant benefits from higher average ticket size.

• It’s share-friendly. Hungry folks often want more if they’re feeding friends or stressing a busy day. A larger drink to share or a bigger fries portion can feel like a smart, social choice rather than a greedy one.

What about the other add-ons?

Dessert, an appetizer, or an extra sandwich can absolutely be appropriate in the right moment. But there’s a reason many crews lean on the enlarge-it option for the typical combo:

• Desserts can change the tempo of the interaction. If the customer is in a hurry or the line is long, dessert upsells might feel like a separate pitch that slows things down.

• An appetizer is great when the customer has time and a palate for variety, or when the kitchen has the capacity to handle a small extra item quickly. It’s a nice touch, but it’s not as “in line with the current order” as enlarge-it.

• An extra sandwich can be a strong move for families or groups, but it often makes sense only when the customer explicitly indicates a larger appetite or a desire to share.

When to lean toward dessert or a separate sandwich instead? If the guest is clearly indicating a feast-ready mood, or if the restaurant is running a promotional dessert week and service speed isn’t a concern, those upsells can shine. The enlarge-it option remains the default because it’s the easiest positive delta to deliver in a single, natural moment.

How to present the enlarge-it option like a pro

• Keep it brief, friendly, and non-pushy. A quick, warm line is all you need: “Would you like that order in a larger size for fries or a bigger drink to go with it?” If they say yes, you keep the momentum going.

• Use a value cue, not a price lecture. Lead with the benefit: “Same price, bigger portions—more satisfaction for you.” People respond to value phrases better than price warnings.

• Mirror the customer’s energy. If they’re chatty, match the vibe with a light, upbeat tone. If they’re in a rush, keep it crisp: “Do you want a larger fry and drink with that?” Then move on.

• Offer a concrete choice. Instead of a vague “enlarge it,” give two clear options: “Large fries and a larger drink?” or “One size up on both?” Clear choices reduce hesitation and speed up the decision.

• Avoid overwhelming them. Two quick prompts max per order are plenty. If they say no, acknowledge and move forward. The goal is a seamless, friendly interaction, not a hard sell.

• Tie it to the current order. Phrase it as a next-step improvement to the combo, not as a separate product push. The mental thread stays tidy.

Sample phrases you can borrow

• “Would you like a larger drink to go with that combo?”

• “Want the fries in the next size up for a fuller bite?”

• “If you’re hungry, I can enlarge the fries and add extra ice in the drink—same price, more to enjoy.”

• “Feeling a bit peckish? We’ve got a larger fry and drink option that won’t slow you down.”

What makes a good cashier for this moment

• Read the cue, don’t force it. If someone is pressed for time, a single, polite nudge is enough—don’t linger.

• Be consistent with the POS prompts. If your system suggests an enlarge-it option, let it appear naturally in the screen flow and acknowledge it with a simple, confident offer.

• Train your team so the ask feels earned, not scripted. The most convincing upsell comes from familiarity—knowing the brand, the menu, and the obvious value it brings.

• Keep the menu board and digital boards in sync. If you’re displaying size options, the option should align with what you’re offering at the counter. Cohesive cues make the decision easier.

A few practical angles to consider beyond the counter

• Speed and throughput. The enlarge-it option is a fast win that doesn’t bog down the line. It’s a reminder that small changes can ripple into bigger efficiency gains when they’re well-timed.

• Inventory awareness. If you’re routinely selling enlarged portions, you’ll need to ensure you’ve got stock of larger fry bags, bigger drink options, and the right cup sizes. A quick check-in with the prep team before peak hours helps keep expectations realistic.

• Menu engineering in the real world. The enlarge-it approach can support a healthier overall margin when used judiciously. It’s a easy way to nudge guests toward higher-margin items without feeling pushy, which makes it a smart tool for any quick-serve operation.

• The tech edge. Modern POS systems can log how often the enlarge-it option is accepted. That data isn’t just numbers; it guides training, informs what to highlight on the menu, and helps adjust prompts to mirror customer preferences at different times of day.

A little digression that stays on topic

You’ve probably noticed how digital ordering changes the game. When customers place orders on a touch screen or a mobile app, prompts can be tailored by hour, weather, or local events. If brunch crowds start craving more, you can push enlarge-it suggestions right where they’re already looking. It’s not about forcing a sale; it’s about placing a small, timely invitation that fits the moment. The goal is to keep the customer’s experience smooth and satisfying while boosting the restaurant’s bottom line—without turning the purchase into a clunky, uncomfortable negotiation.

Putting it all together

In the end, the best add-on to a combo is the enlarge-it option. It’s a natural extension of the order, a straightforward win for the guest, and a reliable lift for the restaurant’s revenue. Other add-ons have their place, sure—desserts for the sweet-tooth moments, appetizers for sharing occasions, extra sandwiches for bigger appetites—but the enlarge-it option shines as the default, momentum-friendly choice.

If you’re coaching a team or building a simple training cue sheet, start with the core message: when a customer orders a combo, offer a larger fries or a bigger drink option. Keep the script friendly, brief, and value-focused. Let the POS do the prompting, and let the staff’s tone convey confidence and care. The result isn’t just higher sales; it’s a better, more satisfying dining moment for the guest. And isn’t that the heart of quick-serve management—bringing quick, reliable joy to customers while keeping the wheels turning smoothly?

So next time the counter clatters with a familiar combo order, remember the simplest, most effective move: present the enlarge-it option with a warm nod, and let the guest decide. It’s a small adjustment with a big payoff—the kind of practical insight that elevates everyday operations into a more polished, people-centered experience.