At some point in the future--when, exactly, we do not yet know--the FDA will finalize the federal menu labeling law required by last year's health care reform act. And restaurants will have to comply with those regulations. But what kind of impact will that law have on restaurant sales once it does take effect? It's difficult to imagine that there won't be some change in diner habits. While we believe that most people don't want to eat healthy when they eat out, at least some people could be expected to get skittish when they see the calorie counts on menus. Studies thus far have shown modest changes in consumer behavior at best. And Darren Tristano, executive vice president of the consulting firm Technomic, expects there to be some changes when the calorie counts appear, but people will eventually get used to seeing the calories and will go back to old habits. For restaurateurs, the upshot is this: Post your calorie counts sooner, rather than later, to get ahead of those changes.