What's the difference between a $ and a dollar?

Here's something to think about the next time you're at a restaurant:

According to a recent Cornell Hotel School study, restaurant customers will spend more money if the menu does not include dollar signs next to prices. How much more? About 8% more, or $5.50.

In a related study, people were more likely to spend more money on wine if: the prices didn't have dollar signs, the wine list was incorporated with the food menu, or some wines were listed in a special "reserve" wine category.