Mini-Sized Meals A Good Deal For Consumers & Businesses

For more than two decades, Eat'n Park's Smiley cookie flashed a broad 4-inch grin and weighed in at a hefty 56 grams. But after 25 years, Smiley's been downsized.

In December, Eat'n Park rolled out a mini Smiley cookie that measures just 2 1/2 inches across and weighs less than half of the original. Children (or their parents) can choose the original, the mini or an apple for their after-meal treat.

The fact that the mini version of this Pittsburgh icon has been "overwhelmingly popular" proves that when it comes to food, it's now hip to be small.

From mini-Blizzards at Dairy Queen to cake pops at Starbucks, restaurants are rolling out bite-sized offerings in hopes of piquing the taste buds of fickle diners who increasingly are watching their waistlines and wallets.

To read the rest of the story, please go to: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette