I don't see anyone else mentioning this, so I'll bring it up. I know of at least one job that I'm sure I lost, as the interviewer (who was the business owner) wanted to take me to lunch. When he mentioned going to the local (Argggh!) barbecue place, I balked, and told him I was a vegetarian, and didn't eat meat. After he quit looking at me as if I had an extra hand growing out of my head, and after he had asked the typical ignorant "but do you eat fish/chicken" question, I suggested a Mediterranean restaurant next to the barbecue place. But, of course, by then, he had, I'm sure, already decided not to hire me.

Anyone else have this experience?

I've never had the pre-hire lunch, but I have had plenty of awkward work-related meal functions. I can only imagine how awkward this situation must have been for you. The unfortunate thing is, just like you said, they probably have already made up their minds about what "kind of person" you are. At least you learned what type of person he was before you started working for him.

Oh, also, I've seen many companies that promote being veg-friendly, so I'm not sure what kind of field you work in, but that might be something to look in to.

I attend a lot of corporate meetings that center around food, whether it is a lunch meetng, taking clients out to dinner, dinner with the staff.. and I've found that rather than immediately point out that I'm a vegetarian (and then listen to the million questions and comments that come about) I will go to the restaurant of their choice and order salad, soup or whatever is vegetarian on the menu.
For those who inquire why I didn't order meat I will breifly explain that I am a vegetarian. By going along with the group, but still eating what I choose I look much more of a team player but yet I still follow my values.

I agree with Tribbles. I'd eat a protein bar or something before I left and then have a salad and a baked potato at the restaurant. I once had an interview at a steakhouse, kept my mouth shut, and got the job. My boss and I laughed about it for years, and you know what? I had some fantastic creamed spinach that day!

Truly

As an exective at a fortune 100 company I also attend many functions that center around food. I tend to just be quiet and eat a lot of salad and steamed vegetables And, I make sure I carry some healthy snacks with me if it is going to be one of those long days. As for your speicific situation, it is unfortunate that someone would make up their mind based on your choice of diet. Next time you have the lunch interview.... I would just go to the lunch wherever is suggested, eat a salad and not stress..... after all, its not really about the food in this instance, its about the job! And, whoever the interviewer was... well.... taking someone to a barbeque place is kind of rude anyhow-- barbeque tends to be very messy- not a good interview sort of food