Originally Posted by BamaVol

Is it really any different than occupying a seat while a companion eats? I've done this plenty of times: I've already eaten, I'm not hungry, I don't like the food there, I'm planning a big dinner later, watching my calories, etc. No one's ever asked me to leave the restaurant while I sit and converse with my companion. Is it really necessary to order something? How many times would my companion have eaten elsewhere if I'd said, no I'm not eating there. The sale of 1 meal is better the sale of zero meals.

In my case, I'm not talking about bringing outside food into fancy, expensive restaurants or even chains with table service, just fast food.