I find this annoying as well. It's like minimum seat pricing, where they don't want to let you dine there unless you're spending over $20 per person, plus tip.

I find this annoying as well. It's like minimum seat pricing, where they don't want to let you dine there unless you're spending over $20 per person, plus tip. I do understand they are likely using high quality tomatoes and EVOO, but if it's dried pasta the total cost should be under $20.