Going to restaurants when the economy is bad

Okay, so I've been feeling kind of guilty for continuing to go to restaurants when the economy is bad, but then again, they keep telling us to go to restaurants and go to stores in order to stimulate the economy, so that's how I've justified it to myself (let's say my cooking skills are not that great).

However, I think it works both ways. I'll keep going to restaurants, but the restaurants have to be fair on their prices.

Today at lunch, I was shocked when I saw my bill. Maybe I should have paid attention to the menu when ordering, but $2.35 for a glass of iced tea? That is just way over the top. I thought $1.95 was bad enough. And $2.50 for a cup of coffee? My daughter poured herself a cup of coffee while we were waiting for our table (the host suggested it to everyone waiting). When we got to the table, the waitress asked if she wanted a mug instead of the paper cup, so she said okay. I understand that coffee isn't free, but $2.50? I don't drink coffee, though, so maybe this is normal, but I know that $2.35 is not normal for iced tea. Also, $3.00 for a "cup" of soup which was a very small cup, maybe only about 1/2 cup or so.

This was a local restaurant, not a chain. In fact, the only place I can ever remember charging $2.35 for a glass of iced tea was Mitchell's, and at least there they bring you a whole carafe.

I'll have to agree with you on beverages. Looks like their are getting a little out of control. Something I'm noticing though are even some of the heavy hitters are offering deal that blow my mind. Look at Outback with their $10.00 steak or Applebee's with their two meals and an aptz. for $20.00. Remember, their food cost on a bottomless iced tea is pennies so selling you a tea with that deal helps make up the lost profit on their deal and the deal draws the business.

We had a major food vendor that started to add a fuel surge charge to every delivery- When I protested, they said that I could make it up by charging more for my soft drinks, which by the way, they did not deliver. I suggested instead, for the CEO of their company to take the fuel charge out of his multimillion $ salary. When that did not happen we changed companies to one that does not have the charge. Some folks say we are too expensive some say we are too low in price for what we deliver. Fair is Fair. I just try and follow the formula that will allow me to deliver a quality product and at the same time make some money.

I'm almost positive I know what restaurant this is based on your description of the coffee service, and yes, I agree that it's a little outrageous to charge $2.50 a cup for coffee when it is sitting out there for patrons to enjoy while they wait. Last time we went my husband couldn't understand why I ordered a mug of coffee when I could just refill from the lobby There is a school of thought that says charge MORE and people will flock to you because they believe they are getting something special. I think that philosophy may work, but only for a short time. Take, for example, the new Calistoga Grill. Keep in mind I have not been there but based on reviews from those I trust the prices sound inflated for the quality of food being served. It many succeed due to the depth of the pockets backing the venture, but I think most people are smart enough to figure it out after a few visits.

I always say that the key to any business' success or failure lies in two words - PERCEIVED VALUE. People have to believe that they are getting a fair deal for what they are purchasing. This helps explain the success of places like Cheddar's, which serves mediocre food in huge portions. People, especially those of us with young kids, are much more likely to dine somewhere with enormous portions of bland food (sad, but true). This is why those of us with independent businesses have to work even harder to prove that truly good food, food that you actually WANT to eat, does not have to cost an arm and a leg.

I applaud you, Ellen, for continuing to dine out and support the local economy, and I implore local restauranteurs to keep "perceived value" in the back of your mind, even as you don't cater to the common denominator. We don't have to stoop to Applebee's prices and quality (or lack thereof), but we can't let people think they're being fleeced on a glass of tea or soda. There has to be a middle ground.

Wow, Will, where did you find a supplier that doesn't charge a fuel surcharge? All of mine do, which adds up to about $35.00 per week even with the lower gas prices!

GFS doesn't charge me one.

Wow, Will, where did you find a supplier that doesn't charge a fuel surcharge? All of mine do, which adds up to about $35.00 per week even with the lower gas prices!

GFS. I know that most do and it seems, now that fuel is lower, they should stop. Because as you know it all adds up. It is hard to pass this on to the customer. I hate it.

Ok, so since fuel prices have dropped drastically, why are delivery services still charging fuel surcharges? Everyone should follow your lead, Will. Maybe then the other companies will take notice.

It's a little ridiculous the amount of the fuel charges, too. You're definitely paying higher than the amount to get it from their distribution center to your front door. I guess they're trying to cover the fuel expense of the sales reps and trans-continental shipping, but I don't get a fuel surcharge on my grocery bill. I think it's a greedy trend.

Getting back to Ellen's oroginal post, I was sticker shocked today at lunch. 2 sandwiches, 2 cups of hot tea, 1 cup of soup and 1 bowl of soup. $23.59. Maybe I'm frugal/cheap, but adding on a tip, we dropped $28 for a very casual lunch at a very casual local place. 1 sandwich was chix salad and 1 was grilled cheese, since I don't eat meat. Tell me if I'm being cheap.

Leah s,
I would love to know what they charged you for the hot tea. Also was the grilled cheese sandwich just a plain one or was it kicked up.

Could the tea be $1.99? and the grilled cheese would have had (for carnivores) bacon, avocado, and Roma tomato!
with chips and a pickle for $ 7.25

Hot tea = $2.50 each. Grilled cheese was pretty normal, with chipotle something on it. No avocado, regular round tomato. Don't get me wrong guys, the food was good, it was just a little sticker shock.

$2.50 for a hot or cold tea would have given me a shock. I'm don't mind paying for what I want but that one is a little out there. Maybe the owner was trying to make up for the water drinkers that ask for water with lemon and use his sweet & low to make lemon ade for free, at your expense.

YOu are not cheap: $7.25 for a grilled cheese sandwich is excessive. unless you sare getting it from Proof or Corbetts and they are using fine artisan cheeses at $20 a lb....