Turn “I don’t care” into a rule everyone understands
Family meals can stall because every person gets a different idea and nobody wants to make the final call. A random restaurant picker creates a neutral choice that is easier to accept than one person always deciding.
Three vetoes for the whole table
Family Mode uses a shared pool of vetoes. Save them for real problems: a child will not eat anything there, a dietary need cannot be met, or the drive is unrealistic. When the vetoes are gone, the next workable result wins.
Start close on school nights
A three- to seven-mile radius usually keeps the meal practical when homework, bedtime or activities are still ahead. On weekends, widen the radius and let the picker bring in something outside the usual rotation.
Use broad food filters
If the family agrees on pizza or burgers, filter there. Otherwise, leave it on Anything so cafes, restaurants and other mapped food spots can compete.
Build a small list of winners
Save good results in Saved Bites. Over time, PlateLuck becomes both a decision tool and a lightweight list of places the family already knows can work.