What The Cheesecake Factory Does With Its Unsold Cheesecakes

Even with individuals taking small steps to combat food waste, the United States is still high on the list of countries that waste the most food, with around 92 billion pounds tossed out per year. Food that is counted as waste is anything that is thrown away while still safe to eat, which accounts for 38% of the safe-to-eat food in the United States. Restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory are actively working to combat these shocking numbers by choosing to donate unused food rather than tossing it out.

Yes, it's true, there is actually delicious cheesecake that goes uneaten after closing time at The Cheesecake Factory, and no, it doesn't all go home with employees or wind up in the trash. The Cheesecake Factory works with organizations like Feeding America to donate both food and funds. As of May 2025, the restaurant chain has donated around 8.7 million pounds of unused food to over 600 nonprofit organizations. Costco donates excess bakery items, and Sam's Club donates unsold groceries through similar partnerships with Feeding America as well.

The Cheesecake Factory taking action to donate rather than waste is a good move for sustainability. If this giant chain restaurant can manage donating unused food, why aren't more big names following suit? One factor that business owners consider is the liability potentially involved in donating food. Running a business is difficult, and protecting that business can be complex — no one wants to be responsible for a deadly food recall. However, it appears unlikely that a business would actually be sued as long as it is following food safety regulations, as companies that donate food are widely protected under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.

To donate food to food banks, restaurants also have to follow strict guidelines to ensure the food is safe to eat, and different states and cities have varying regulations. These considerations, along with food storage, transportation of donations, and extra labor, can prove costly for businesses. Restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory that are determined to throw out as little as possible are working to be a part of the solution, though it's also important to note that businesses can receive significant tax breaks for these sorts of charitable acts.

Food insecurity exists in daunting numbers in the United States. According to data from the USDA Economic Research Service, in 2023, around 18 million U.S. homes experienced food insecurity at some point throughout the year, making reducing food waste exceptionally important. With so many households that could benefit from resources like food banks, every dining establishment should follow The Cheesecake Factory's example.