Restaurants have gotten so expensive……also recycling and phone apps (1 Viewer)

[the moops]

An omelet, chocolate chip pancakes, a side of toast and two waters was $31 before tip at IHOP with my daughter this weekend.

Should have went to McDonalds

 

[Rustoleum]

An omelet, chocolate chip pancakes, a side of toast and two waters was $31 before tip at IHOP with my daughter this weekend.

where do you live? that seems high. ihop has an over 55 menu and i generally thought items were under $10. but, i’ve been there 2x in the last 25 years.

Northern Ky/Cincinnati.

Was out practicing driving with my daughter and she wanted pancakes for lunch. Already stopped going to Frisch’s/Bigboy because they managed to both Jack up their prices and kill what quality they had simultaneously. The omelet/hash browns meal was $14.99. Daughter wanted toast in addition to her stack of pancakes, so that was $3 for 2 slices.



Next time we’ll hit a local dive and probably pay 2/3 of that, but have less pancake choices for her.

 

[Drunken knight]

An omelet, chocolate chip pancakes, a side of toast and two waters was $31 before tip at IHOP with my daughter this weekend.

Should have went to McDonalds

Push on cost

 

[Terminalxylem]

But right now we're in this cycle where everyone goes on Facebook and complains about how they can't afford anything, and then they turn around and buy a jetski and book a ski trip and stop for a $11 sausage biscuit + coffee every morning.

Agree with your post overall except that I disagree that “everyone” is reacting the same way. Some consumers have changed and are changing their habits in response to higher prices.

Whether there’s yet a critical mass of such habit-changing consumers to effect change is a different matter. Just how inelastic is demand for fast food? Starbucks? Casual dining? Fine dining? Maybe we’ll see sooner or later.

Who are these people?

I'm sure they are out there, but it's empirical, right? These are public companies. Restaurants sales and profits are up. Travel spending in every category is up (by a lot!!). Apple sales are up. Facebook advertising spend is up (and people sure as heck aren't advertising for essentials on Facebook). Sales of random garbage on Amazon are up. Netflix subs are up (even as price continues to rise). Concert sales are up. Almost every company is selling more stuff every quarter, at higher prices than last quarter. And I'm talking about non-essentials here.

Anecdotally, it more than jives here.

A ticket at my local ski resort was $80 five years ago and you could park 20 yards from the lodge and ski onto every lift all day without waiting in a single line. Now a lift ticket is $260 and you have to park 3 miles away and take a shuttle in because all of the parking lots are full, and some of the lift lines are literally a quarter mile long at times. The price has gone up 4x and the visitorship has gone up 20x.

The Netflix CEO bought Powder Mountain and doubled the ticket prices essentially overnight ($129 to $250) and they haven't lost out on one single solitary visitor for it. Numbers just keep going up, tickets are actually sold out there today.

Last summer the line for people to put their boats in the lake was out of the marina parking lot and then another mile down the road. A few years ago it was never more than 2 cars deep. Apparently everyone bought a boat recently.

Restaurant waits here for some bland middle of the road place like Olive Garden are 90-120 minutes on the weekend and 45-60 minutes on Wednesday night. It used to be 30 minutes on the weekend and 0 minutes on Wednesday.

Our local mall looks like it's 1990 again. It looked like a scene out of a post-apocalyptic zombie movie 10 years ago.

If some people are spending less, there are two people on the other side spending more for every one of them. It's nuts out there right now. Places just can't charge enough to keep the crowds away. Has anyone bowled lately? Holy hell when did an hour of bowling for a family of 4 where you can't even finish two games hit triple digits? And why are all the lanes full at those prices?

Why do you think people have upped their consumption? Post-covid reset of priorities?

Just skied a few days at Park City, which was overrun on the weekend, better mid-week. Going to Vail tomorrow, so I’ll see how they look post Presidents’ Day weekend.

Bummer to hear Powder Mountain is busy, too. Was thinking of going there next season, and figured it would be less packed without inclusion on the Epic/IKON passes.

Alta/snowbird were empty midweek. I waited in one line, one time, at the bottom, on the big powder day.

Yeah, midweek was great at PC, too.

Need to adjust travel plans to avoid weekend crowds, which seem to be worse everywhere. Dragging my feet atm to avoid Pres Day w/e crowds at Vail.

 

[culdeus]

But right now we're in this cycle where everyone goes on Facebook and complains about how they can't afford anything, and then they turn around and buy a jetski and book a ski trip and stop for a $11 sausage biscuit + coffee every morning.

Agree with your post overall except that I disagree that “everyone” is reacting the same way. Some consumers have changed and are changing their habits in response to higher prices.

Whether there’s yet a critical mass of such habit-changing consumers to effect change is a different matter. Just how inelastic is demand for fast food? Starbucks? Casual dining? Fine dining? Maybe we’ll see sooner or later.

Who are these people?

I'm sure they are out there, but it's empirical, right? These are public companies. Restaurants sales and profits are up. Travel spending in every category is up (by a lot!!). Apple sales are up. Facebook advertising spend is up (and people sure as heck aren't advertising for essentials on Facebook). Sales of random garbage on Amazon are up. Netflix subs are up (even as price continues to rise). Concert sales are up. Almost every company is selling more stuff every quarter, at higher prices than last quarter. And I'm talking about non-essentials here.

Anecdotally, it more than jives here.

A ticket at my local ski resort was $80 five years ago and you could park 20 yards from the lodge and ski onto every lift all day without waiting in a single line. Now a lift ticket is $260 and you have to park 3 miles away and take a shuttle in because all of the parking lots are full, and some of the lift lines are literally a quarter mile long at times. The price has gone up 4x and the visitorship has gone up 20x.

The Netflix CEO bought Powder Mountain and doubled the ticket prices essentially overnight ($129 to $250) and they haven't lost out on one single solitary visitor for it. Numbers just keep going up, tickets are actually sold out there today.

Last summer the line for people to put their boats in the lake was out of the marina parking lot and then another mile down the road. A few years ago it was never more than 2 cars deep. Apparently everyone bought a boat recently.

Restaurant waits here for some bland middle of the road place like Olive Garden are 90-120 minutes on the weekend and 45-60 minutes on Wednesday night. It used to be 30 minutes on the weekend and 0 minutes on Wednesday.

Our local mall looks like it's 1990 again. It looked like a scene out of a post-apocalyptic zombie movie 10 years ago.

If some people are spending less, there are two people on the other side spending more for every one of them. It's nuts out there right now. Places just can't charge enough to keep the crowds away. Has anyone bowled lately? Holy hell when did an hour of bowling for a family of 4 where you can't even finish two games hit triple digits? And why are all the lanes full at those prices?

Why do you think people have upped their consumption? Post-covid reset of priorities?

Similar thing has happened in response to existential threats like war and even Spanish flu. Demand for non essentials tends to spike. Sometimes this is seen as patriotic. Post 9/11 there were ads trying to hype this up.

 

[The Gator]

4 of us just dined at a nice Italian restaurant in phx.
Focaccia
Tagliatelle with short rib
Burrata gnocchi
Macaroni with bolognese
Panazanella
Glass of super Tuscan
Glass of Prosecco
Tiramisu
Lemoncello semifredo

$160 pre tip… value/quality was there.

Mind if I ask where? Heading to Phoenix in April.

 

[Drunken knight]

Rosso

 

[Doug B]

But right now we're in this cycle where everyone goes on Facebook and complains about how they can't afford anything, and then they turn around and buy a jetski and book a ski trip and stop for a $11 sausage biscuit + coffee every morning.

Agree with your post overall except that I disagree that “everyone” is reacting the same way. Some consumers have changed and are changing their habits in response to higher prices.

Whether there’s yet a critical mass of such habit-changing consumers to effect change is a different matter. Just how inelastic is demand for fast food? Starbucks? Casual dining? Fine dining? Maybe we’ll see sooner or later.

Who are these people?

Not people who go on ski trips and have reasons to regularly visit a marina.

Remember, this started off with a post I made about McDonalds. Once you start talking about people who take ski vacations and own boats, you're a few tax brackets upstream.

 

[JohnnyU]

But right now we're in this cycle where everyone goes on Facebook and complains about how they can't afford anything, and then they turn around and buy a jetski and book a ski trip and stop for a $11 sausage biscuit + coffee every morning.

Agree with your post overall except that I disagree that “everyone” is reacting the same way. Some consumers have changed and are changing their habits in response to higher prices.

Whether there’s yet a critical mass of such habit-changing consumers to effect change is a different matter. Just how inelastic is demand for fast food? Starbucks? Casual dining? Fine dining? Maybe we’ll see sooner or later.

Who are these people?

Not people who go on ski trips and have reasons to regularly visit a marina.

Remember, this started off with a post I made about McDonalds. Once you start talking about people who take ski vacations and own boats, you're a few tax brackets upstream.

What about those that own John boats and take McDonald’s with them for lunch? I suppose cold MickeyD‘s is pretty gross.

 

[Doug B]

Our local mall looks like it's 1990 again. It looked like a scene out of a post-apocalyptic zombie movie 10 years ago.

Our malls are a mixed bag that run the gamut from "healthy" to "on life support".

If some people are spending less, there are two people on the other side spending more for every one of them. It's nuts out there right now. Places just can't charge enough to keep the crowds away. Has anyone bowled lately? Holy hell when did an hour of bowling for a family of 4 where you can't even finish two games hit triple digits? And why are all the lanes full at those prices?

My nephew had a birthday party at the closest local bowling alley recently on Saturday afternoon. Place was maybe 1/3 full. My family doesn't go to this alley regularly, but I understand they do well in the evenings with their leagues.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Maybe because it's a holiday but my local mall is freaking packed. I'm leaving, too crowded for me.

 

[the moops]

Maybe because it's a holiday but my local mall is freaking packed. I'm leaving, too crowded for me.

This

 

[Cowboysfan8]

But right now we're in this cycle where everyone goes on Facebook and complains about how they can't afford anything, and then they turn around and buy a jetski and book a ski trip and stop for a $11 sausage biscuit + coffee every morning.

Agree with your post overall except that I disagree that “everyone” is reacting the same way. Some consumers have changed and are changing their habits in response to higher prices.

Whether there’s yet a critical mass of such habit-changing consumers to effect change is a different matter. Just how inelastic is demand for fast food? Starbucks? Casual dining? Fine dining? Maybe we’ll see sooner or later.

Who are these people?

Not people who go on ski trips and have reasons to regularly visit a marina.

Remember, this started off with a post I made about McDonalds. Once you start talking about people who take ski vacations and own boats, you're a few tax brackets upstream.

What about those that own John boats and take McDonald’s with them for lunch? I suppose cold MickeyD‘s is pretty gross.

To be fair, warm MickeysDs is kinda gross

 

[Drunken knight]

4 of us just dined at a nice Italian restaurant in phx.
Focaccia
Tagliatelle with short rib
Burrata gnocchi
Macaroni with bolognese
Panazanella
Glass of super Tuscan
Glass of Prosecco
Tiramisu
Lemoncello semifredo

$160 pre tip… value/quality was there.

Mind if I ask where? Heading to Phoenix in April.

ROSSO ITALIAN - DOWNTOWN PHOENIX

Rosso Italian is Pomo Restaurant Groups' newest addition located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. Rosso Italian offers a contemporary take on premium Italian cuisine with a modern twist, drawing inspiration from global flavors and influences. Rosso Italian is located on 1st street by Cityscape...

www.rossoitalian.com

 

[Drunken knight]

Chico Malo

Ingredient driven Mexican gastronomy featuring award winning dishes like Pork Verde Short Ribs in addition to shareable plates and grilled entrees. Offering lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the food is complemented by craft cocktails and beautiful Private Dining Rooms perfect for business or social

www.chicomalo.com

Last night:
Carne asada
Achiote chicken
Shrimp entree
2 cocktails
Girls got horchata
Shared dessert


$200 all in. Very good meal. Portions were substantial

@The Gator

 

[Terminalxylem]

Chico Malo

Ingredient driven Mexican gastronomy featuring award winning dishes like Pork Verde Short Ribs in addition to shareable plates and grilled entrees. Offering lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the food is complemented by craft cocktails and beautiful Private Dining Rooms perfect for business or social

www.chicomalo.com

Last night:
Carne asada
Achiote chicken
Shrimp entree
2 cocktails
Girls got horchata
Shared dessert


$200 all in. Very good meal. Portions were substantial

@The Gator

In Vail, at Swiss Chalet:

Pear cocktail and glass of wine
Arugula salad
Tofu piccata
Salmon entree
Dark chocolate fondue

$205. Really good food and portions, about what I expected, price-wise.

 

[the moops]

Girls got horchata

Good pron title

 

[Drunken knight]

Chico Malo

Ingredient driven Mexican gastronomy featuring award winning dishes like Pork Verde Short Ribs in addition to shareable plates and grilled entrees. Offering lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the food is complemented by craft cocktails and beautiful Private Dining Rooms perfect for business or social

www.chicomalo.com

Last night:
Carne asada
Achiote chicken
Shrimp entree
2 cocktails
Girls got horchata
Shared dessert


$200 all in. Very good meal. Portions were substantial

@The Gator

In Vail, at Swiss Chalet:

Pear cocktail and glass of wine
Arugula salad
Tofu piccata
Salmon entree
Dark chocolate fondue

$205. Really good food and portions, about what I expected, price-wise.

Happy to hear! I worked at sonnenalp for 4 years. Primarily at Ludwig’s, but would jump in where needed. Loved our geschnitzel and fondues at Swiss chalet

 

[JohnnyU]

But right now we're in this cycle where everyone goes on Facebook and complains about how they can't afford anything, and then they turn around and buy a jetski and book a ski trip and stop for a $11 sausage biscuit + coffee every morning.

Agree with your post overall except that I disagree that “everyone” is reacting the same way. Some consumers have changed and are changing their habits in response to higher prices.

Whether there’s yet a critical mass of such habit-changing consumers to effect change is a different matter. Just how inelastic is demand for fast food? Starbucks? Casual dining? Fine dining? Maybe we’ll see sooner or later.

Who are these people?

Not people who go on ski trips and have reasons to regularly visit a marina.

Remember, this started off with a post I made about McDonalds. Once you start talking about people who take ski vacations and own boats, you're a few tax brackets upstream.

What about those that own John boats and take McDonald’s with them for lunch? I suppose cold MickeyD‘s is pretty gross.

To be fair, warm MickeysDs is kinda gross

Warm hell, it will most likely be cold.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Chico Malo

Ingredient driven Mexican gastronomy featuring award winning dishes like Pork Verde Short Ribs in addition to shareable plates and grilled entrees. Offering lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the food is complemented by craft cocktails and beautiful Private Dining Rooms perfect for business or social

www.chicomalo.com

Last night:
Carne asada
Achiote chicken
Shrimp entree
2 cocktails
Girls got horchata
Shared dessert


$200 all in. Very good meal. Portions were substantial

@The Gator

In Vail, at Swiss Chalet:

Pear cocktail and glass of wine
Arugula salad
Tofu piccata
Salmon entree
Dark chocolate fondue

$205. Really good food and portions, about what I expected, price-wise.

Happy to hear! I worked at sonnenalp for 4 years. Primarily at Ludwig’s, but would jump in where needed. Loved our geschnitzel and fondues at Swiss chalet

Our second time there, both excellent experiences. Couldn’t convince my wife to get the raclette, unfortunately, but the salmon was a delicious consolation.

 

[Osaurus]

It was Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats. Went with a coworker today. 2 tacos, chips, and a drink was $7 plus tax.

 

[Joe Bryant]

It was Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats. Went with a coworker today. 2 tacos, chips, and a drink was $7 plus tax.

For folks in the restaurant business, what's your opinion on stuff like this? I'm sure the restaurant loses money on things like this. What's the thinking? They'll get enough goodwill that customers will come back on other days and they can recoup the losses? Does that actually happen?

 

[Drunken knight]

It was Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats. Went with a coworker today. 2 tacos, chips, and a drink was $7 plus tax.

For folks in the restaurant business, what's your opinion on stuff like this? I'm sure the restaurant loses money on things like this. What's the thinking? They'll get enough goodwill that customers will come back on other days and they can recoup the losses? Does that actually happen?

This and beverage or upsells. Easier to justify the margarita or churros with inexpensive mains

 

[Osaurus]

It was Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats. Went with a coworker today. 2 tacos, chips, and a drink was $7 plus tax.

For folks in the restaurant business, what's your opinion on stuff like this? I'm sure the restaurant loses money on things like this. What's the thinking? They'll get enough goodwill that customers will come back on other days and they can recoup the losses? Does that actually happen?

Place was slammed fwiw. Constant business.

 

[Keerock]

It was Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats. Went with a coworker today. 2 tacos, chips, and a drink was $7 plus tax.

For folks in the restaurant business, what's your opinion on stuff like this? I'm sure the restaurant loses money on things like this. What's the thinking? They'll get enough goodwill that customers will come back on other days and they can recoup the losses? Does that actually happen?

I think it depends on the customer. Some will be there just for the deal. Others will take the deal but also buy drinks, apps, etc. Guessing it's a loss leader kind of thing.

FWIW... when I was a "young professional" while traveling for work, my work buddy and I would go to Chili's for "happy hour" and get a few 32oz beers and free chips/salsa and wings. We'd get out of there full and drunk for $6 + tip. Then, we'd expense our earlier trip to the local record/CD store where we'd buy a bunch of music. Did this easily 2-3 times per week. Ahh the good old days... Luckily the big corp (who shall remain nameless) I worked for never questioned our expenses and I ended up with a huge music collection.

 

[Todem]

Since we don't have 1 where I live I dropped into a Long John Silvers last night for "nostalgia" as it's been decades since I've been there. 1 fish and chicken combo with a small drink, $18+. That'll be my last visit to LJS.

Long John Silvers is one of the few national fast food chains I've never stepped foot in. Fast food fish never struck me as something I must have. Have yet to order a Filet-o-Fish either

Fish and chips is one of my automatic go-tos for bar food, and I wish it were a more widely-available fast food option.

Nothing like a very good Irish Pub that has great Fish n Chips.

We have a local joint here called Tin Fish that has superb Fish n Chips. The homemade batter they use is second to none. Delicious.

 

[Todem]

It was Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats. Went with a coworker today. 2 tacos, chips, and a drink was $7 plus tax.

For folks in the restaurant business, what's your opinion on stuff like this? I'm sure the restaurant loses money on things like this. What's the thinking? They'll get enough goodwill that customers will come back on other days and they can recoup the losses? Does that actually happen?

I think it depends on the customer. Some will be there just for the deal. Others will take the deal but also buy drinks, apps, etc. Guessing it's a loss leader kind of thing.

FWIW... when I was a "young professional" while traveling for work, my work buddy and I would go to Chili's for "happy hour" and get a few 32oz beers and free chips/salsa and wings. We'd get out of there full and drunk for $6 + tip. Then, we'd expense our earlier trip to the local record/CD store where we'd buy a bunch of music. Did this easily 2-3 times per week. Ahh the good old days... Luckily the big corp (who shall remain nameless) I worked for never questioned our expenses and I ended up with a huge music collection.

God....Chillis. In the 80’s and 90’s that place was money. It is utter crap now. The quality is so bad.....the service incredibly bad too (South Florida). Just a wasteland chain like Applebees. Crap over salted glorified fast food.

It’s too bad because Chillis has a great value menu.......but it’s so bad now.....we have not gone in years and years since it’s downfall.

 

[parasaurolophus]

God....Chillis. In the 80’s and 90’s that place was money. It is utter crap now. The quality is so bad.....the service incredibly bad too (South Florida). Just a wasteland chain like Applebees. Crap over salted glorified fast food.

It’s too bad because Chillis has a great value menu.......but it’s so bad now.....we have not gone in years and years since it’s downfall.

We actually have started going to chilis again.

For 10.99, burger, fries, soda, bottomless chips and salsa.

Perhaps this is just our local place, but the service has been excellent and no problems with the food.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

God....Chillis. In the 80’s and 90’s that place was money. It is utter crap now. The quality is so bad.....the service incredibly bad too (South Florida). Just a wasteland chain like Applebees. Crap over salted glorified fast food.

It’s too bad because Chillis has a great value menu.......but it’s so bad now.....we have not gone in years and years since it’s downfall.

We actually have started going to chilis again.

For 10.99, burger, fries, soda, bottomless chips and salsa.

Perhaps this is just our local place, but the service has been excellent and no problems with the food.

Yes, these things are often controlled by the franchise owner as much as corporate. Huge difference from place to place for many chains.

 

[Ilov80s]

It was Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats. Went with a coworker today. 2 tacos, chips, and a drink was $7 plus tax.

For folks in the restaurant business, what's your opinion on stuff like this? I'm sure the restaurant loses money on things like this. What's the thinking? They'll get enough goodwill that customers will come back on other days and they can recoup the losses? Does that actually happen?

This and beverage or upsells. Easier to justify the margarita or churros with inexpensive mains

I get the drinks being the profit but on a Tuesday, how many margs are you really selling? Maybe more than I think.

 

[Drunken knight]

It was Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats. Went with a coworker today. 2 tacos, chips, and a drink was $7 plus tax.

For folks in the restaurant business, what's your opinion on stuff like this? I'm sure the restaurant loses money on things like this. What's the thinking? They'll get enough goodwill that customers will come back on other days and they can recoup the losses? Does that actually happen?

This and beverage or upsells. Easier to justify the margarita or churros with inexpensive mains

I get the drinks being the profit but on a Tuesday, how many margs are you really selling? Maybe more than I think.

It’s volume and upsell.

It will also depend on lunch vs dinner

Edit: but that is the motivation for promos on slower nights. Increase revenue. On busier nights, increase profitability.

 

[FairWarning]

It was Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats. Went with a coworker today. 2 tacos, chips, and a drink was $7 plus tax.

For folks in the restaurant business, what's your opinion on stuff like this? I'm sure the restaurant loses money on things like this. What's the thinking? They'll get enough goodwill that customers will come back on other days and they can recoup the losses? Does that actually happen?

It was Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats. Went with a coworker today. 2 tacos, chips, and a drink was $7 plus tax.

For folks in the restaurant business, what's your opinion on stuff like this? I'm sure the restaurant loses money on things like this. What's the thinking? They'll get enough goodwill that customers will come back on other days and they can recoup the losses? Does that actually happen?

It is a big thing at my place. Our Tue-Thurs are pretty full thanks to promotions. I would say 1/3 are getting the promotion, so we make bank on the rest. It also gives a good atmosphere when it’s constantly busy.

 

[dgreen]

a server is like a tv football announcer, pointless. i don’t go for the server, i go for the food.

We just disagree there. I think a good server makes a huge difference in the experience. Way more than "pointless".

What are the characteristics of a good server?

This could be it's own thread.

Huge topic and super important. As a lot of it translates to just general hospitality.

The big picture answer is a good server makes the experience more enjoyable. Not just from ordering and bringing you the food. They add where they're needed like in helping with a menu item and they know when to leave you alone. It's an art.

Granted, the better ones are usually at more expensive restaurants where they make more money. But a great example was in Las Vegas last week. We had a great server at Best Friend that had been there since they opened. Was helpful in describing the history of the place and how some of the dishes were made. Then talked about the BBQ sauce line Roy Choi is coming out with and that he's going to have a line of edibles. Added to the experience.

Next night was a much fancier setup at Joe's Stone Crab. She had also been there since they opened and helped us order a little bit off the menu and got what we were looking for. Super helpful.

Yeah, I agree with this and when they do provide those things then they aren't pointless. But, in my experience, most restaurants that have servers don't do this. Like you said, this tends to be at the more expensive places. I think there are many restaurants out there that could easily just have counter service because the servers provide so little value. I think that may be where Chem is coming from when he says they are pointless. I think if we randomly picked a sit-down restaurant, odds are the server won't be providing much value.

If you are going to have servers (which tends to mean higher menu prices and then the extra cost of tips), then the staff need to either provide high quality service or the food needs to be great. You can get away with simply good food if you provide great hospitality. If you aren't providing great hospitality, you better have great food that I can't get elsewhere.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

It was Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats. Went with a coworker today. 2 tacos, chips, and a drink was $7 plus tax.

For folks in the restaurant business, what's your opinion on stuff like this? I'm sure the restaurant loses money on things like this. What's the thinking? They'll get enough goodwill that customers will come back on other days and they can recoup the losses? Does that actually happen?

Exposure. And yes.

And the losses aren’t that great. The profits are just slimmer On that day.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

It was Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats. Went with a coworker today. 2 tacos, chips, and a drink was $7 plus tax.

For folks in the restaurant business, what's your opinion on stuff like this? I'm sure the restaurant loses money on things like this. What's the thinking? They'll get enough goodwill that customers will come back on other days and they can recoup the losses? Does that actually happen?

This and beverage or upsells. Easier to justify the margarita or churros with inexpensive mains

I get the drinks being the profit but on a Tuesday, how many margs are you really selling? Maybe more than I think.

2 drafts of tecate covers the cost of the tacos.

 

[Joe Bryant]

2 drafts of tecate covers the cost of the tacos.

Understood. I just wonder how many are not doing the Tecate and instead just getting the "Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats. Went with a coworker today. 2 tacos, chips, and a drink was $7 plus tax." One has to have the Tecate sales to make the other possible.

Not that unlike these message boards. They exist solely because we can afford them because people buy Footballguys Subscriptions. I just wondered how restaurant folks saw them.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

2 drafts of tecate covers the cost of the tacos.

Understood. I just wonder how many are not doing the Tecate and instead just getting the "Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats. Went with a coworker today. 2 tacos, chips, and a drink was $7 plus tax." One has to have the Tecate sales to make the other possible.

Not that unlike these message boards. They exist solely because we can afford them because people buy Footballguys Subscriptions. I just wondered how restaurant folks saw them.

In the same vein, the soda paid for the 2 tacos. And the chips. Lunch taco Tuesday will be less profitable than dinner service.

 

[General Malaise]

Is soda the best margin for restaurants or is it something else like sweet tea or Budweiser?

$3 for a fountain drink that costs a restaurant a few pennies has to be the winner in margin, right?

 

[nightmare]

Is soda the best margin for restaurants or is it something else like sweet tea or Budweiser?

$3 for a fountain drink that costs a restaurant a few pennies has to be the winner in margin, right?

What's the cost of the cup and the ice machine? It's still the winner, but I don't think it's single digit pennies.

 

[General Malaise]

Is soda the best margin for restaurants or is it something else like sweet tea or Budweiser?

$3 for a fountain drink that costs a restaurant a few pennies has to be the winner in margin, right?

What's the cost of the cup and the ice machine? It's still the winner, but I don't think it's single digit pennies.

I'm sure an economist has penciled it out but if it's more than a dime, I'd be shocked and would want to see the math behind it.

 

[nightmare]

Is soda the best margin for restaurants or is it something else like sweet tea or Budweiser?

$3 for a fountain drink that costs a restaurant a few pennies has to be the winner in margin, right?

What's the cost of the cup and the ice machine? It's still the winner, but I don't think it's single digit pennies.

I'm sure an economist has penciled it out but if it's more than a dime, I'd be shocked and would want to see the math behind it.

Soda, cup, lid, straw, and the cost of electricity to run the ice machine 24/7. I think the electricity at business rates is
not as small as we think.

 

[General Malaise]

Is soda the best margin for restaurants or is it something else like sweet tea or Budweiser?

$3 for a fountain drink that costs a restaurant a few pennies has to be the winner in margin, right?

What's the cost of the cup and the ice machine? It's still the winner, but I don't think it's single digit pennies.

I'm sure an economist has penciled it out but if it's more than a dime, I'd be shocked and would want to see the math behind it.

Soda, cup, lid, straw, and the cost of electricity to run the ice machine 24/7. I think the electricity at business rates is
not as small as we think.

A lid? Wait, are we confusing fast food with sit down restaurants? I quit drinking soda 25 years ago, but is it normal for sit down place to use a lid? For a grownup?

Hear you on electricity but I would bet margins on soda is near 1000% percent.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Is soda the best margin for restaurants or is it something else like sweet tea or Budweiser?

$3 for a fountain drink that costs a restaurant a few pennies has to be the winner in margin, right?

What's the cost of the cup and the ice machine? It's still the winner, but I don't think it's single digit pennies.

I'm sure an economist has penciled it out but if it's more than a dime, I'd be shocked and would want to see the math behind it.

Soda, cup, lid, straw, and the cost of electricity to run the ice machine 24/7. I think the electricity at business rates is
not as small as we think.

A lid? Wait, are we confusing fast food with sit down restaurants? I quit drinking soda 25 years ago, but is it normal for sit down place to use a lid? For a grownup?

Hear you on electricity but I would bet margins on soda is near 1000% percent.

The googles puts it at 1100%+. And often times the maintenance and the machines are handled by the purveyor. same for the coffee/cappuccino machines.

 

[Doug B]

This is from an article for food truck owners and concessionaires weighing the wholesale cost of pre-mixed fountain soda vs post-mixed (CO2 canisters, bag-in-box syrup, etc). It’s 2017 info, but it’s a starting point for those interested in the math.

As far as I’m aware, virtually every sit-down restaurant—if they have a soda fountain—go with post-mixed.

How do these stack up profit wise? Pre-mix cost per ounce is so close to the cost per ounce of cans that once you factor in CO2, cup, lid and straw it is more expensive. Post-mix has two prices. A national account receives a discount/rebate making the cost for a 5-gallon BIB {Bag In Box} $73.95 (Pepsi is slightly cheaper at $72.65) or pay the non-national account price at Sam’s Club of $81.69. Coke syrup is mixed 5 parts of water to 1-part syrup. That 5-gallon box yields 30 total gallons of product which costs $0.0192 per ounce (national account) or $0.0212 at Sam’s. Add in the cost of cup, lid and straw of $0.0574 brings the cost of a 12-oz. no ice drink to $0.2878, compared to a 12-oz. can of soda at Sam’s Club of $0.285. Prices listed are as of fall 2017.​

The Great Soda Debates – Fountain or Cans? Coke or Pepsi?

Food Truck Training

www.moorebetterperformance.com

 

[FairWarning]

This is from an article for food truck owners and concessionaires weighing the wholesale cost of pre-mixed fountain soda vs post-mixed (CO2 canisters, bag-in-box syrup, etc). It’s 2017 info, but it’s a starting point for those interested in the math.

As far as I’m aware, virtually every sit-down restaurant—if they have a soda fountain—go with post-mixed.

How do these stack up profit wise? Pre-mix cost per ounce is so close to the cost per ounce of cans that once you factor in CO2, cup, lid and straw it is more expensive. Post-mix has two prices. A national account receives a discount/rebate making the cost for a 5-gallon BIB {Bag In Box} $73.95 (Pepsi is slightly cheaper at $72.65) or pay the non-national account price at Sam’s Club of $81.69. Coke syrup is mixed 5 parts of water to 1-part syrup. That 5-gallon box yields 30 total gallons of product which costs $0.0192 per ounce (national account) or $0.0212 at Sam’s. Add in the cost of cup, lid and straw of $0.0574 brings the cost of a 12-oz. no ice drink to $0.2878, compared to a 12-oz. can of soda at Sam’s Club of $0.285. Prices listed are as of fall 2017.​

The Great Soda Debates – Fountain or Cans? Coke or Pepsi?

Food Truck Training

www.moorebetterperformance.com

Even if it’s double now, we are charging $3.00 at the restaurant with free refills.

 

[FarFromHome]

Went to PF Changs Sunday. Great food. Good experience. Cheap. We went 2pm, so we caught lunch specials. We don't drink, spent under 50 bucks with tip for the two of us. I'll go back for sure..

 

[Doug B]

Even if it’s double now, we are charging $3.00 at the restaurant with free refills.

Many (maybe most now) local casual restaurants are north of $3.00 for soft drinks and iced tea now. $3.49 is a common price.

Unsure what those drinks now cost at an upscale steakhouse or something.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Even if it’s double now, we are charging $3.00 at the restaurant with free refills.

Many (maybe most now) local casual restaurants are north of $3.00 for soft drinks and iced tea now. $3.49 is a common price.

Unsure what those drinks now cost at an upscale steakhouse or something.

5 to 6 dollars

 

[Grahamburn]

It was Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats. Went with a coworker today. 2 tacos, chips, and a drink was $7 plus tax.

For folks in the restaurant business, what's your opinion on stuff like this? I'm sure the restaurant loses money on things like this. What's the thinking? They'll get enough goodwill that customers will come back on other days and they can recoup the losses? Does that actually happen?

I think it depends on the customer. Some will be there just for the deal. Others will take the deal but also buy drinks, apps, etc. Guessing it's a loss leader kind of thing.

FWIW... when I was a "young professional" while traveling for work, my work buddy and I would go to Chili's for "happy hour" and get a few 32oz beers and free chips/salsa and wings. We'd get out of there full and drunk for $6 + tip. Then, we'd expense our earlier trip to the local record/CD store where we'd buy a bunch of music. Did this easily 2-3 times per week. Ahh the good old days... Luckily the big corp (who shall remain nameless) I worked for never questioned our expenses and I ended up with a huge music collection.

God....Chillis. In the 80’s and 90’s that place was money. It is utter crap now. The quality is so bad.....the service incredibly bad too (South Florida). Just a wasteland chain like Applebees. Crap over salted glorified fast food.

It’s too bad because Chillis has a great value menu.......but it’s so bad now.....we have not gone in years and years since it’s downfall.

It was crap back then too. Your taste and the size of your bank account has just changed.

 

[Keerock]

It was Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats. Went with a coworker today. 2 tacos, chips, and a drink was $7 plus tax.

For folks in the restaurant business, what's your opinion on stuff like this? I'm sure the restaurant loses money on things like this. What's the thinking? They'll get enough goodwill that customers will come back on other days and they can recoup the losses? Does that actually happen?

I think it depends on the customer. Some will be there just for the deal. Others will take the deal but also buy drinks, apps, etc. Guessing it's a loss leader kind of thing.

FWIW... when I was a "young professional" while traveling for work, my work buddy and I would go to Chili's for "happy hour" and get a few 32oz beers and free chips/salsa and wings. We'd get out of there full and drunk for $6 + tip. Then, we'd expense our earlier trip to the local record/CD store where we'd buy a bunch of music. Did this easily 2-3 times per week. Ahh the good old days... Luckily the big corp (who shall remain nameless) I worked for never questioned our expenses and I ended up with a huge music collection.

God....Chillis. In the 80’s and 90’s that place was money. It is utter crap now. The quality is so bad.....the service incredibly bad too (South Florida). Just a wasteland chain like Applebees. Crap over salted glorified fast food.

It’s too bad because Chillis has a great value menu.......but it’s so bad now.....we have not gone in years and years since it’s downfall.

It was crap back then too. Your taste and the size of your bank account has just changed.

Completely disagree with this. Their food used to be fantastic.