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

[NutterButter]

Took the family out to eat a very cool brewery in Hood River after a nice hike in the Gorge. We were pretty hungry. Parking around this spot was bananas, so we had to find a spot that required payment to park, fine, whatever, I was ready to eat my hand. When we got to a table - outside seating, upstairs, dog-friendly, gorgeous views of the Gorge and Columbia River - we realized we were definitely not alone. Place was packed.


After standing in line for 30 minutes just to place an order, I was rather taken aback by the price of a giant, soft pretzel - $14. That's what my sons wanted. They were....fine. Nothing great. The entire dining experience was a big whiff, but the beer I had was delicious, so that was a plus. But man, is $14 the going rate for a big pretzel that was just ordinary? Seemed steep.

Pfriem?

No, this was Ferment. It was jammed, but it was Memorial Day Weekend and the weather was perfect so I think the staff was overwhelmed. I didn't get the chicken sandwich I ordered so I can't rate it. Beer was really good.

Pfriem looked even busier. I've eaten there once and liked it a lot.

Holiday weekend, great weather, killer views, they should just put MP on all their menu items. They can charge whatever the hell they want. Someone will pay it.

 

[General Malaise]

Took the family out to eat a very cool brewery in Hood River after a nice hike in the Gorge. We were pretty hungry. Parking around this spot was bananas, so we had to find a spot that required payment to park, fine, whatever, I was ready to eat my hand. When we got to a table - outside seating, upstairs, dog-friendly, gorgeous views of the Gorge and Columbia River - we realized we were definitely not alone. Place was packed.


After standing in line for 30 minutes just to place an order, I was rather taken aback by the price of a giant, soft pretzel - $14. That's what my sons wanted. They were....fine. Nothing great. The entire dining experience was a big whiff, but the beer I had was delicious, so that was a plus. But man, is $14 the going rate for a big pretzel that was just ordinary? Seemed steep.

I know you know you're paying for the ambiance. Places that have great views have the luxury to charge a lot more.

Yeah, I'd for sure go back, but just to drink. The ambiance was A++.

There are food trucks down below with a nice, grassy park to set up a picnic area. Probably eat there and grab a pint up there on the deck after.

 

[General Malaise]

Took the family out to eat a very cool brewery in Hood River after a nice hike in the Gorge. We were pretty hungry. Parking around this spot was bananas, so we had to find a spot that required payment to park, fine, whatever, I was ready to eat my hand. When we got to a table - outside seating, upstairs, dog-friendly, gorgeous views of the Gorge and Columbia River - we realized we were definitely not alone. Place was packed.


After standing in line for 30 minutes just to place an order, I was rather taken aback by the price of a giant, soft pretzel - $14. That's what my sons wanted. They were....fine. Nothing great. The entire dining experience was a big whiff, but the beer I had was delicious, so that was a plus. But man, is $14 the going rate for a big pretzel that was just ordinary? Seemed steep.

Pfriem?

No, this was Ferment. It was jammed, but it was Memorial Day Weekend and the weather was perfect so I think the staff was overwhelmed. I didn't get the chicken sandwich I ordered so I can't rate it. Beer was really good.

Pfriem looked even busier. I've eaten there once and liked it a lot.

Holiday weekend, great weather, killer views, they should just put MP on all their menu items. They can charge whatever the hell they want. Someone will pay it.

And that someone was General Malaise.

My daughter found a hair in her grilled cheese sandwich and was too disgusted to continue. I was far too beleaguered by that point to take it back. I was also really really really hungry and, well....

 

[Desert_Power]

But aren't there mom and pop sandwich shops that serve salads and soups and sandwiches in every town in America?

For sure. Always prefer Mom and Pop sandwich over a chain.

My post was a response to "I can't think of a worse chain to eat at." That seems amazing to me. I can think of many chains I'd rather not go to over Panera.

Well Panera is the worst I've had in terms of chains. I mean even at Applebee's you can get a halfway passable burger and fries.

At Panera, your options are bad soup/sandwich and salad, with a side of chips or barely edible baguette. The soups are frozen and reheated, and you can tell. The salad has wilted lettuce and not enough dressing. It's hospital food.

Sure, in terms of calories it may be one of the better options, but in terms of quality, it's the worst out of a mostly bad bunch of chain restaurants.

I used to get Panera fairly frequently. As long as you get extra dressing on their Green Goddess Cobb it was pretty good. Last time I went the lettuce was completely inedible like this. Have not returned.

 

[NutterButter]

Took the family out to eat a very cool brewery in Hood River after a nice hike in the Gorge. We were pretty hungry. Parking around this spot was bananas, so we had to find a spot that required payment to park, fine, whatever, I was ready to eat my hand. When we got to a table - outside seating, upstairs, dog-friendly, gorgeous views of the Gorge and Columbia River - we realized we were definitely not alone. Place was packed.


After standing in line for 30 minutes just to place an order, I was rather taken aback by the price of a giant, soft pretzel - $14. That's what my sons wanted. They were....fine. Nothing great. The entire dining experience was a big whiff, but the beer I had was delicious, so that was a plus. But man, is $14 the going rate for a big pretzel that was just ordinary? Seemed steep.

I know you know you're paying for the ambiance. Places that have great views have the luxury to charge a lot more.

Yeah, I'd for sure go back, but just to drink. The ambiance was A++.

There are food trucks down below with a nice, grassy park to set up a picnic area. Probably eat there and grab a pint up there on the deck after.

More valuable intel for the upcoming trip

 

[Peggy]

I mean even at Applebee's you can get a halfway passable burger and fries.

Is there any other place where you can get a double Titos during happy hour for $6? Just sayin.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Well Panera is the worst I've had in terms of chains. I mean even at Applebee's you can get a halfway passable burger and fries.

We'll just disagree there. And didn't realize we were mixing order at the counter restaurants with sit down table service and servers.

Applebees burgers and fries are to a good burger and fries as to what Panera salads are to a good salad. Both pretty far from it. But consistently ok.

If it's lunch, I choose Panera 100 out of 100 times over Applebees.

 

[Joe Bryant]

they should just put MP on all their menu items. They can charge whatever the hell they want. Someone will pay it.

Back to the original topic. Isn't that sort of what we're talking about? People feel like the prices continue to rise as businesses hope they can find someone to pay it?

 

[fruity pebbles]

Took the family out to eat a very cool brewery in Hood River after a nice hike in the Gorge. We were pretty hungry. Parking around this spot was bananas, so we had to find a spot that required payment to park, fine, whatever, I was ready to eat my hand. When we got to a table - outside seating, upstairs, dog-friendly, gorgeous views of the Gorge and Columbia River - we realized we were definitely not alone. Place was packed.


After standing in line for 30 minutes just to place an order, I was rather taken aback by the price of a giant, soft pretzel - $14. That's what my sons wanted. They were....fine. Nothing great. The entire dining experience was a big whiff, but the beer I had was delicious, so that was a plus. But man, is $14 the going rate for a big pretzel that was just ordinary? Seemed steep.

Disney World is cheaper

 

[nirad3]

But aren't there mom and pop sandwich shops that serve salads and soups and sandwiches in every town in America?

For sure. Always prefer Mom and Pop sandwich over a chain.

My post was a response to "I can't think of a worse chain to eat at." That seems amazing to me. I can think of many chains I'd rather not go to over Panera.

Well Panera is the worst I've had in terms of chains. I mean even at Applebee's you can get a halfway passable burger and fries.

At Panera, your options are bad soup/sandwich and salad, with a side of chips or barely edible baguette. The soups are frozen and reheated, and you can tell. The salad has wilted lettuce and not enough dressing. It's hospital food.

Sure, in terms of calories it may be one of the better options, but in terms of quality, it's the worst out of a mostly bad bunch of chain restaurants.

I had never been to Panera before they introduced their flatbread pizzas. I'm a sucker for any kind of pizza and they were pimping their "Pick Two" which included a salad and I do like a good chicken Caesar, so I gave it a try. I probably went there 5-6 times while they had this combo and was absolutely stuffed each time. The flatbread was quite tasty and the portion size for the salad was impressive. I hadn't gone in maybe 8-9 months and decided to give it a try and everything had gone in the crapper.

 

[Joe Bryant]

But aren't there mom and pop sandwich shops that serve salads and soups and sandwiches in every town in America?

For sure. Always prefer Mom and Pop sandwich over a chain.

My post was a response to "I can't think of a worse chain to eat at." That seems amazing to me. I can think of many chains I'd rather not go to over Panera.

Well Panera is the worst I've had in terms of chains. I mean even at Applebee's you can get a halfway passable burger and fries.

At Panera, your options are bad soup/sandwich and salad, with a side of chips or barely edible baguette. The soups are frozen and reheated, and you can tell. The salad has wilted lettuce and not enough dressing. It's hospital food.

Sure, in terms of calories it may be one of the better options, but in terms of quality, it's the worst out of a mostly bad bunch of chain restaurants.

I had never been to Panera before they introduced their flatbread pizzas. I'm a sucker for any kind of pizza and they were pimping their "Pick Two" which included a salad and I do like a good chicken Caesar, so I gave it a try. I probably went there 5-6 times while they had this combo and was absolutely stuffed each time. The flatbread was quite tasty and the portion size for the salad was impressive. I hadn't gone in maybe 8-9 months and decided to give it a try and everything had gone in the crapper.

Interesting. Maybe that's my disconnect. I haven't been in a few months.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Took the family out to eat a very cool brewery in Hood River after a nice hike in the Gorge. We were pretty hungry. Parking around this spot was bananas, so we had to find a spot that required payment to park, fine, whatever, I was ready to eat my hand. When we got to a table - outside seating, upstairs, dog-friendly, gorgeous views of the Gorge and Columbia River - we realized we were definitely not alone. Place was packed.


After standing in line for 30 minutes just to place an order, I was rather taken aback by the price of a giant, soft pretzel - $14. That's what my sons wanted. They were....fine. Nothing great. The entire dining experience was a big whiff, but the beer I had was delicious, so that was a plus. But man, is $14 the going rate for a big pretzel that was just ordinary? Seemed steep.

With a captive audience. Yes.

There’s a great 30+ year old Bavarian style pub/restaurant right at the bottom of the mountain in mammoth. They do a pretzel the size of a large pizza. It’s at least $18. But they have an awesome beer selection.

 

[the moops]

I choose Panera 100 out of 100 times over Applebees.

That's way too many visits to either of those places

 

[NutterButter]

they should just put MP on all their menu items. They can charge whatever the hell they want. Someone will pay it.

Back to the original topic. Isn't that sort of what we're talking about? People feel like the prices continue to rise as businesses hope they can find someone to pay it?

Sounds like the overall theme though i'm apparently a terrible judge of that b/c I haven't felt it the same way that most others have. In GM's case though, places like that are an exception b/c they're always gonna be excessively priced since you're paying for something that few others can offer so the supply far exceeds the demand.

 

[NutterButter]

I choose Panera 100 out of 100 times over Applebees.

That's way too many visits to either of those places

That's like 10 lifetimes

 

[Joe Bryant]

I choose Panera 100 out of 100 times over Applebees.

That's way too many visits to either of those places

That's like 10 lifetimes

It is for me.

 

[Joe Bryant]

i'm apparently a terrible judge of that b/c I haven't felt it the same way that most others have.

You haven't felt like prices have increased?

 

[Scoresman]

But aren't there mom and pop sandwich shops that serve salads and soups and sandwiches in every town in America?

For sure. Always prefer Mom and Pop sandwich over a chain.

My post was a response to "I can't think of a worse chain to eat at." That seems amazing to me. I can think of many chains I'd rather not go to over Panera.

Well Panera is the worst I've had in terms of chains. I mean even at Applebee's you can get a halfway passable burger and fries.

At Panera, your options are bad soup/sandwich and salad, with a side of chips or barely edible baguette. The soups are frozen and reheated, and you can tell. The salad has wilted lettuce and not enough dressing. It's hospital food.

Sure, in terms of calories it may be one of the better options, but in terms of quality, it's the worst out of a mostly bad bunch of chain restaurants.

I had never been to Panera before they introduced their flatbread pizzas. I'm a sucker for any kind of pizza and they were pimping their "Pick Two" which included a salad and I do like a good chicken Caesar, so I gave it a try. I probably went there 5-6 times while they had this combo and was absolutely stuffed each time. The flatbread was quite tasty and the portion size for the salad was impressive. I hadn't gone in maybe 8-9 months and decided to give it a try and everything had gone in the crapper.

Interesting. Maybe that's my disconnect. I haven't been in a few months.

Yeah, I feel like places like Panera at one point were ok, but have been just awful more recently. Was forced to eat at one over the holidays this past year and couldn't finish it.

Chains in general have been going downhill for a while.

 

[nirad3]

But aren't there mom and pop sandwich shops that serve salads and soups and sandwiches in every town in America?

For sure. Always prefer Mom and Pop sandwich over a chain.

My post was a response to "I can't think of a worse chain to eat at." That seems amazing to me. I can think of many chains I'd rather not go to over Panera.

Well Panera is the worst I've had in terms of chains. I mean even at Applebee's you can get a halfway passable burger and fries.

At Panera, your options are bad soup/sandwich and salad, with a side of chips or barely edible baguette. The soups are frozen and reheated, and you can tell. The salad has wilted lettuce and not enough dressing. It's hospital food.

Sure, in terms of calories it may be one of the better options, but in terms of quality, it's the worst out of a mostly bad bunch of chain restaurants.

I had never been to Panera before they introduced their flatbread pizzas. I'm a sucker for any kind of pizza and they were pimping their "Pick Two" which included a salad and I do like a good chicken Caesar, so I gave it a try. I probably went there 5-6 times while they had this combo and was absolutely stuffed each time. The flatbread was quite tasty and the portion size for the salad was impressive. I hadn't gone in maybe 8-9 months and decided to give it a try and everything had gone in the crapper.

Interesting. Maybe that's my disconnect. I haven't been in a few months.

Yeah, I feel like places like Panera at one point were ok, but have been just awful more recently. Was forced to eat at one over the holidays this past year and couldn't finish it.

Chains in general have been going downhill for a while.

My domestic partner and I took my son out to one of those outdoor mall places to return a pair of shoes for my daughter, saw a movie and then wanted to get some grub. BJ's Pizza (our initial choice) was absolutely packed and told us it was a 30-45 minute wait. No thanks. Opted for TGI Friday's (yes, I guess they still exist) which was next door and got seated right away.

Nothing leapt out at me menu-wise, but I ended up settling on a "pick 3 apps" type of thing, and I think it was like $16.99. I got mozzarella sticks and a double order of boneless wings (OK, chicken nuggets ).

The "wings" were actually pretty good and the mozzarella sticks were probably some of the best I've ever had, honestly.

My wife got a burger (she was hankering for some meat ) and a margarita. She was super-impressed with the burger and she's not a "burger type" My picky son just wanted some fries and a Coke. I got an iced tea.

I think the total was under $65 with tip, not bad at all. I was pleasantly surprised. But yes chains are hurting.

 

[NutterButter]

i'm apparently a terrible judge of that b/c I haven't felt it the same way that most others have.

You haven't felt like prices have increased?

I'm sure food prices have but just not sure by how much and certainly not enough where its made a lasting impression on me. I guess part of it is that even if they've gone up a lot, I still feel like I've come out ahead in general with just my 4% pay raises so I'm actually better off.

 

[General Malaise]

Took the family out to eat a very cool brewery in Hood River after a nice hike in the Gorge. We were pretty hungry. Parking around this spot was bananas, so we had to find a spot that required payment to park, fine, whatever, I was ready to eat my hand. When we got to a table - outside seating, upstairs, dog-friendly, gorgeous views of the Gorge and Columbia River - we realized we were definitely not alone. Place was packed.


After standing in line for 30 minutes just to place an order, I was rather taken aback by the price of a giant, soft pretzel - $14. That's what my sons wanted. They were....fine. Nothing great. The entire dining experience was a big whiff, but the beer I had was delicious, so that was a plus. But man, is $14 the going rate for a big pretzel that was just ordinary? Seemed steep.

I know you know you're paying for the ambiance. Places that have great views have the luxury to charge a lot more.

Yeah, I'd for sure go back, but just to drink. The ambiance was A++.

There are food trucks down below with a nice, grassy park to set up a picnic area. Probably eat there and grab a pint up there on the deck after.

More valuable intel for the upcoming trip

If you're looking for a neat hike in the Gorge, I recommend Mosier Plateau, which is about 3 or so miles east of Hood River. Moderate hike, about 3 miles RT, incredible views at the top. Burn up some calories and then relax in style.

 

[General Malaise]

But aren't there mom and pop sandwich shops that serve salads and soups and sandwiches in every town in America?

For sure. Always prefer Mom and Pop sandwich over a chain.

My post was a response to "I can't think of a worse chain to eat at." That seems amazing to me. I can think of many chains I'd rather not go to over Panera.

Well Panera is the worst I've had in terms of chains. I mean even at Applebee's you can get a halfway passable burger and fries.

At Panera, your options are bad soup/sandwich and salad, with a side of chips or barely edible baguette. The soups are frozen and reheated, and you can tell. The salad has wilted lettuce and not enough dressing. It's hospital food.

Sure, in terms of calories it may be one of the better options, but in terms of quality, it's the worst out of a mostly bad bunch of chain restaurants.

I had never been to Panera before they introduced their flatbread pizzas. I'm a sucker for any kind of pizza and they were pimping their "Pick Two" which included a salad and I do like a good chicken Caesar, so I gave it a try. I probably went there 5-6 times while they had this combo and was absolutely stuffed each time. The flatbread was quite tasty and the portion size for the salad was impressive. I hadn't gone in maybe 8-9 months and decided to give it a try and everything had gone in the crapper.

Interesting. Maybe that's my disconnect. I haven't been in a few months.

Yeah, I feel like places like Panera at one point were ok, but have been just awful more recently. Was forced to eat at one over the holidays this past year and couldn't finish it.

Chains in general have been going downhill for a while.

My domestic partner and I took my son out to one of those outdoor mall places to return a pair of shoes for my daughter, saw a movie and then wanted to get some grub. BJ's Pizza (our initial choice) was absolutely packed and told us it was a 30-45 minute wait. No thanks. Opted for TGI Friday's (yes, I guess they still exist) which was next door and got seated right away.

Nothing leapt out at me menu-wise, but I ended up settling on a "pick 3 apps" type of thing, and I think it was like $16.99. I got mozzarella sticks and a double order of boneless wings (OK, chicken nuggets ).

The "wings" were actually pretty good and the mozzarella sticks were probably some of the best I've ever had, honestly.

My wife got a burger (she was hankering for some meat ) and a margarita. She was super-impressed with the burger and she's not a "burger type" My picky son just wanted some fries and a Coke. I got an iced tea.

I think the total was under $65 with tip, not bad at all. I was pleasantly surprised. But yes chains are hurting.

You didn't get loaded baked potato skins? Oh man....what a miss!

I have a soft spot in my heart for TGIF. We didn't go out to eat very often when I was growing up, so when we did, it was a treat. TGIFs was often the spot of choice and I always think of it that way while I'm clogging my arteries and wondering how many buttons on a person's shirt is too much flare.

 

[General Malaise]

i'm apparently a terrible judge of that b/c I haven't felt it the same way that most others have.

You haven't felt like prices have increased?

I'm sure food prices have but just not sure by how much and certainly not enough where its made a lasting impression on me. I guess part of it is that even if they've gone up a lot, I still feel like I've come out ahead in general with just my 4% pay raises so I'm actually better off.

How much is a pretzel out where you live?

Wetzel Pretzel offers their regular pretzel for $4.19. I feel like $14 is just a bit too high, regardless of the view.

 

[the moops]

I feel like $14 is just a bit too high, regardless of the view.

That you saw the price and got it anyway is the real issue here

 

[Joe Bryant]

I guess part of it is that even if they've gone up a lot, I still feel like I've come out ahead in general with just my 4% pay raises so I'm actually better off.

I think most feel they've gone up much more than 4% though.

Link

However, government data shows that higher food prices, for both groceries and restaurant meals, have remained stubbornly high since the pandemic began four years ago, according to analysis for Food & Wine by Donald Grimes, a regional economics specialist at the University of Michigan.

Between January 2020 and January 2024, wholesale prices for food rose an estimated 22.4%. Though they’ve come down since 2023, wholesale costs are at the second-highest level of the past 15 years, according to the government’s Producer Price Index for commodity foods.

Grimes’ analysis showed that prices for processed foods rose 22% in the four-year period from 2020 to 2024 and are the second highest it's ever been in the past 20 years.
Meanwhile, food eaten away from home, which includes all types of restaurants, is at its highest level in two decades, up 25.6% in 2020. In urban areas alone, the cost of sit-down restaurant meals is up 24.1%, to the highest index rate ever, while fast food meals across the country are up 29.6%.

 

[NutterButter]

i'm apparently a terrible judge of that b/c I haven't felt it the same way that most others have.

You haven't felt like prices have increased?

I'm sure food prices have but just not sure by how much and certainly not enough where its made a lasting impression on me. I guess part of it is that even if they've gone up a lot, I still feel like I've come out ahead in general with just my 4% pay raises so I'm actually better off.

How much is a pretzel out where you live?

Wetzel Pretzel offers their regular pretzel for $4.19. I feel like $14 is just a bit too high, regardless of the view.

Lol. 13 and no view. I assume we're talking the jumbo. It's huge and delicious. Extra cheese dipping sauce please. I'd pay $20 for that monster but I love soft pretzels. A little crisp on the outside, nice and fluffy on the inside. Just the right amount of salt.

 

[NutterButter]

I guess part of it is that even if they've gone up a lot, I still feel like I've come out ahead in general with just my 4% pay raises so I'm actually better off.

I think most feel they've gone up much more than 4% though.

Link

However, government data shows that higher food prices, for both groceries and restaurant meals, have remained stubbornly high since the pandemic began four years ago, according to analysis for Food & Wine by Donald Grimes, a regional economics specialist at the University of Michigan.

Between January 2020 and January 2024, wholesale prices for food rose an estimated 22.4%. Though they’ve come down since 2023, wholesale costs are at the second-highest level of the past 15 years, according to the government’s Producer Price Index for commodity foods.

Grimes’ analysis showed that prices for processed foods rose 22% in the four-year period from 2020 to 2024 and are the second highest it's ever been in the past 20 years.
Meanwhile, food eaten away from home, which includes all types of restaurants, is at its highest level in two decades, up 25.6% in 2020. In urban areas alone, the cost of sit-down restaurant meals is up 24.1%, to the highest index rate ever, while fast food meals across the country are up 29.6%.

Food sure, but food is maybe 10-20% of my costs. In general that 4% increase more than covers the increase in my overall costs so in my twisted mind, since I'm coming out ahead, maybe I'm not as sensitive to food cost increases.

 

[General Malaise]

I feel like $14 is just a bit too high, regardless of the view.

That you saw the price and got it anyway is the real issue here

Got it anyway AND THEN complained about it to nobody in particular! HARUMPH!

 

[DA RAIDERS]

i'm apparently a terrible judge of that b/c I haven't felt it the same way that most others have.

You haven't felt like prices have increased?

I'm sure food prices have but just not sure by how much and certainly not enough where its made a lasting impression on me. I guess part of it is that even if they've gone up a lot, I still feel like I've come out ahead in general with just my 4% pay raises so I'm actually better off.

How much is a pretzel out where you live?

Wetzel Pretzel offers their regular pretzel for $4.19. I feel like $14 is just a bit too high, regardless of the view.

It wasn’t huge?

 

[General Malaise]

i'm apparently a terrible judge of that b/c I haven't felt it the same way that most others have.

You haven't felt like prices have increased?

I'm sure food prices have but just not sure by how much and certainly not enough where its made a lasting impression on me. I guess part of it is that even if they've gone up a lot, I still feel like I've come out ahead in general with just my 4% pay raises so I'm actually better off.

How much is a pretzel out where you live?

Wetzel Pretzel offers their regular pretzel for $4.19. I feel like $14 is just a bit too high, regardless of the view.

It wasn’t huge?

It was a big pretzel. About the same size as any other big pretzel I've seen ordered at restaurants. Is Wetzel Pretel not huge? Never had one....just figured that was the gold standard of large pretzels people buy.

 

[bcat01]

Took the family out to eat a very cool brewery in Hood River after a nice hike in the Gorge. We were pretty hungry. Parking around this spot was bananas, so we had to find a spot that required payment to park, fine, whatever, I was ready to eat my hand. When we got to a table - outside seating, upstairs, dog-friendly, gorgeous views of the Gorge and Columbia River - we realized we were definitely not alone. Place was packed.


After standing in line for 30 minutes just to place an order, I was rather taken aback by the price of a giant, soft pretzel - $14. That's what my sons wanted. They were....fine. Nothing great. The entire dining experience was a big whiff, but the beer I had was delicious, so that was a plus. But man, is $14 the going rate for a big pretzel that was just ordinary? Seemed steep.

Just checked and our local brewery has a pretzel with beer cheese for $14. Has to be a huge profit.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I guess part of it is that even if they've gone up a lot, I still feel like I've come out ahead in general with just my 4% pay raises so I'm actually better off.

I think most feel they've gone up much more than 4% though.

Link

However, government data shows that higher food prices, for both groceries and restaurant meals, have remained stubbornly high since the pandemic began four years ago, according to analysis for Food & Wine by Donald Grimes, a regional economics specialist at the University of Michigan.

Between January 2020 and January 2024, wholesale prices for food rose an estimated 22.4%. Though they’ve come down since 2023, wholesale costs are at the second-highest level of the past 15 years, according to the government’s Producer Price Index for commodity foods.

Grimes’ analysis showed that prices for processed foods rose 22% in the four-year period from 2020 to 2024 and are the second highest it's ever been in the past 20 years.
Meanwhile, food eaten away from home, which includes all types of restaurants, is at its highest level in two decades, up 25.6% in 2020. In urban areas alone, the cost of sit-down restaurant meals is up 24.1%, to the highest index rate ever, while fast food meals across the country are up 29.6%.

Food sure, but food is maybe 10-20% of my costs. In general that 4% increase more than covers the increase in my overall costs so in my twisted mind, since I'm coming out ahead, maybe I'm not as sensitive to food cost increases.

Hat tip to you if you make enough to not notice Food Costs up 20%. Regular Footballguy though so I guess I should have expected as much.

 

[WVU Alum]

But aren't there mom and pop sandwich shops that serve salads and soups and sandwiches in every town in America?

For sure. Always prefer Mom and Pop sandwich over a chain.

My post was a response to "I can't think of a worse chain to eat at." That seems amazing to me. I can think of many chains I'd rather not go to over Panera.

Well Panera is the worst I've had in terms of chains. I mean even at Applebee's you can get a halfway passable burger and fries.

At Panera, your options are bad soup/sandwich and salad, with a side of chips or barely edible baguette. The soups are frozen and reheated, and you can tell. The salad has wilted lettuce and not enough dressing. It's hospital food.

Sure, in terms of calories it may be one of the better options, but in terms of quality, it's the worst out of a mostly bad bunch of chain restaurants.

It is one of the worst calorie wise as well. People think it is healthy. It is not.

 

[Joe Bryant]

It is one of the worst calorie wise as well. People think it is healthy. It is not.

Can you elaborate?

Ceasar Salad and grilled chicken with normal amount of dressing may not qualify as "healthy". But you're saying it's one of the worst?

 

[NutterButter]

i'm apparently a terrible judge of that b/c I haven't felt it the same way that most others have.

You haven't felt like prices have increased?

I'm sure food prices have but just not sure by how much and certainly not enough where its made a lasting impression on me. I guess part of it is that even if they've gone up a lot, I still feel like I've come out ahead in general with just my 4% pay raises so I'm actually better off.

How much is a pretzel out where you live?

Wetzel Pretzel offers their regular pretzel for $4.19. I feel like $14 is just a bit too high, regardless of the view.

It wasn’t huge?

It was a big pretzel. About the same size as any other big pretzel I've seen ordered at restaurants. Is Wetzel Pretel not huge? Never had one....just figured that was the gold standard of large pretzels people buy.

Is that like the Sbarros of pretzels?

 

[General Malaise]

i'm apparently a terrible judge of that b/c I haven't felt it the same way that most others have.

You haven't felt like prices have increased?

I'm sure food prices have but just not sure by how much and certainly not enough where its made a lasting impression on me. I guess part of it is that even if they've gone up a lot, I still feel like I've come out ahead in general with just my 4% pay raises so I'm actually better off.

How much is a pretzel out where you live?

Wetzel Pretzel offers their regular pretzel for $4.19. I feel like $14 is just a bit too high, regardless of the view.

It wasn’t huge?

It was a big pretzel. About the same size as any other big pretzel I've seen ordered at restaurants. Is Wetzel Pretel not huge? Never had one....just figured that was the gold standard of large pretzels people buy.

Is that like the Sbarros of pretzels?

Those are the guys who make pizza sandwiches? @shuke

 

[WVU Alum]

It is one of the worst calorie wise as well. People think it is healthy. It is not.

Can you elaborate?

Ceasar Salad and grilled chicken with normal amount of dressing may not qualify as "healthy". But you're saying it's one of the worst?

Compare their calories to Arby’s or Wendy’s and they are very similar for a typical meal.
Sure, I can order a plain turkey wrap or a salad with no dressing to keep the calories low, but I can find similar options at Wendy’s

 

[NutterButter]

I guess part of it is that even if they've gone up a lot, I still feel like I've come out ahead in general with just my 4% pay raises so I'm actually better off.

I think most feel they've gone up much more than 4% though.

Link

However, government data shows that higher food prices, for both groceries and restaurant meals, have remained stubbornly high since the pandemic began four years ago, according to analysis for Food & Wine by Donald Grimes, a regional economics specialist at the University of Michigan.

Between January 2020 and January 2024, wholesale prices for food rose an estimated 22.4%. Though they’ve come down since 2023, wholesale costs are at the second-highest level of the past 15 years, according to the government’s Producer Price Index for commodity foods.

Grimes’ analysis showed that prices for processed foods rose 22% in the four-year period from 2020 to 2024 and are the second highest it's ever been in the past 20 years.
Meanwhile, food eaten away from home, which includes all types of restaurants, is at its highest level in two decades, up 25.6% in 2020. In urban areas alone, the cost of sit-down restaurant meals is up 24.1%, to the highest index rate ever, while fast food meals across the country are up 29.6%.

Food sure, but food is maybe 10-20% of my costs. In general that 4% increase more than covers the increase in my overall costs so in my twisted mind, since I'm coming out ahead, maybe I'm not as sensitive to food cost increases.

Hat tip to you if you make enough to not notice Food Costs up 20%. Regular Footballguy though so I guess I should have expected as much.

keep in mind im probably not hanging out at the same places you do and I hardly drink while I'm out. So the $40 meal for the two of us in 2020 from the mexican joint is now $50, I'm really not sweating the extra 10 bucks.

 

[Mitchie]

I guess part of it is that even if they've gone up a lot, I still feel like I've come out ahead in general with just my 4% pay raises so I'm actually better off.

I think most feel they've gone up much more than 4% though.

Link

However, government data shows that higher food prices, for both groceries and restaurant meals, have remained stubbornly high since the pandemic began four years ago, according to analysis for Food & Wine by Donald Grimes, a regional economics specialist at the University of Michigan.

Between January 2020 and January 2024, wholesale prices for food rose an estimated 22.4%. Though they’ve come down since 2023, wholesale costs are at the second-highest level of the past 15 years, according to the government’s Producer Price Index for commodity foods.

Grimes’ analysis showed that prices for processed foods rose 22% in the four-year period from 2020 to 2024 and are the second highest it's ever been in the past 20 years.
Meanwhile, food eaten away from home, which includes all types of restaurants, is at its highest level in two decades, up 25.6% in 2020. In urban areas alone, the cost of sit-down restaurant meals is up 24.1%, to the highest index rate ever, while fast food meals across the country are up 29.6%.

Food sure, but food is maybe 10-20% of my costs. In general that 4% increase more than covers the increase in my overall costs so in my twisted mind, since I'm coming out ahead, maybe I'm not as sensitive to food cost increases.

Hat tip to you if you make enough to not notice Food Costs up 20%. Regular Footballguy though so I guess I should have expected as much.

Have to factor in wage inflation too. Of course if not working than it's not good. Fyi Food inflation up 2.2% over last 12 months. Wage inflation up 4.3%.

 

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

But aren't there mom and pop sandwich shops that serve salads and soups and sandwiches in every town in America?

For sure. Always prefer Mom and Pop sandwich over a chain.

My post was a response to "I can't think of a worse chain to eat at." That seems amazing to me. I can think of many chains I'd rather not go to over Panera.

Well Panera is the worst I've had in terms of chains. I mean even at Applebee's you can get a halfway passable burger and fries.

At Panera, your options are bad soup/sandwich and salad, with a side of chips or barely edible baguette. The soups are frozen and reheated, and you can tell. The salad has wilted lettuce and not enough dressing. It's hospital food.

Sure, in terms of calories it may be one of the better options, but in terms of quality, it's the worst out of a mostly bad bunch of chain restaurants.

I had never been to Panera before they introduced their flatbread pizzas. I'm a sucker for any kind of pizza and they were pimping their "Pick Two" which included a salad and I do like a good chicken Caesar, so I gave it a try. I probably went there 5-6 times while they had this combo and was absolutely stuffed each time. The flatbread was quite tasty and the portion size for the salad was impressive. I hadn't gone in maybe 8-9 months and decided to give it a try and everything had gone in the crapper.

Interesting. Maybe that's my disconnect. I haven't been in a few months.

Yeah, I feel like places like Panera at one point were ok, but have been just awful more recently. Was forced to eat at one over the holidays this past year and couldn't finish it.

Chains in general have been going downhill for a while.

My domestic partner and I took my son out to one of those outdoor mall places to return a pair of shoes for my daughter, saw a movie and then wanted to get some grub. BJ's Pizza (our initial choice) was absolutely packed and told us it was a 30-45 minute wait. No thanks. Opted for TGI Friday's (yes, I guess they still exist) which was next door and got seated right away.

Nothing leapt out at me menu-wise, but I ended up settling on a "pick 3 apps" type of thing, and I think it was like $16.99. I got mozzarella sticks and a double order of boneless wings (OK, chicken nuggets ).

The "wings" were actually pretty good and the mozzarella sticks were probably some of the best I've ever had, honestly.

My wife got a burger (she was hankering for some meat ) and a margarita. She was super-impressed with the burger and she's not a "burger type" My picky son just wanted some fries and a Coke. I got an iced tea.

I think the total was under $65 with tip, not bad at all. I was pleasantly surprised. But yes chains are hurting.

So you took your domestic partner and your wife?

 

[DA RAIDERS]

i'm apparently a terrible judge of that b/c I haven't felt it the same way that most others have.

You haven't felt like prices have increased?

I'm sure food prices have but just not sure by how much and certainly not enough where its made a lasting impression on me. I guess part of it is that even if they've gone up a lot, I still feel like I've come out ahead in general with just my 4% pay raises so I'm actually better off.

How much is a pretzel out where you live?

Wetzel Pretzel offers their regular pretzel for $4.19. I feel like $14 is just a bit too high, regardless of the view.

It wasn’t huge?

It was a big pretzel. About the same size as any other big pretzel I've seen ordered at restaurants. Is Wetzel Pretel not huge? Never had one....just figured that was the gold standard of large pretzels people buy.

The one I’m talking about is enormous. I’ll send you a pic. My kid gets the pretzel bites at wetzels

 

[shuke]

It is one of the worst calorie wise as well. People think it is healthy. It is not.

Can you elaborate?

Ceasar Salad and grilled chicken with normal amount of dressing may not qualify as "healthy". But you're saying it's one of the worst?

Compare their calories to Arby’s or Wendy’s and they are very similar for a typical meal.
Sure, I can order a plain turkey wrap or a salad with no dressing to keep the calories low, but I can find similar options at Wendy’s

So they are very similar to others, but somehow one of the worst?

 

[WVU Alum]

It is one of the worst calorie wise as well. People think it is healthy. It is not.

Can you elaborate?

Ceasar Salad and grilled chicken with normal amount of dressing may not qualify as "healthy". But you're saying it's one of the worst?

Compare their calories to Arby’s or Wendy’s and they are very similar for a typical meal.
Sure, I can order a plain turkey wrap or a salad with no dressing to keep the calories low, but I can find similar options at Wendy’s

So they are very similar to others, but somehow one of the worst?

Yes, because they are seen as being a healthy alternative to other fast food. People understand that if they are going to McDonald’s that they are going to have a 1500+ calorie meal, but people don’t necessarily understand that they are in for the same bomb at Panera.

 

[Capella]

Following up taking my dad to Olive Garden today after red lobster last month. He really likes these chains with bread. Can’t wait to see what this costs.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Following up taking my dad to Olive Garden today after red lobster last month. He really likes these chains with bread. Can’t wait to see what this costs.

Those cheddar biscuits almost make it worth it

 

[Nugget]

Panera Sip Club was an outstanding value when I was travelling for work. I averaged 25 iced coffees/charged lemonades for $10/month. They gave me the first 3 months free. I think I ordered food 2x in 2 years.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Compare their calories to Arby’s or Wendy’s and they are very similar for a typical meal.

Sure. I'd expect a Panera salad to be similar to a Wendy's Salad. Most people are not getting salads at Wendy's. But even if they are, they'd be similar.

How are they "one of the worst"?

 

[Todem]

Following up taking my dad to Olive Garden today after red lobster last month. He really likes these chains with bread. Can’t wait to see what this costs.

We won’t step foot into either of those chains.

God awful food.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Following up taking my dad to Olive Garden today after red lobster last month. He really likes these chains with bread. Can’t wait to see what this costs.

We won’t step foot into either of those chains.

God awful food.

This is one part of food and restaurants I find fascinating,

I haven't been to a Red Lobster in 20 years (and guess I won't be going soon) and haven't been to Olive Garden in 10 years.

But that's because I think there are some better alternatives where the food is less bland and it feels more entrepreneurial or local and the vibe is much better.

But I don't think they're God-awful or offensive as some seem to do. I'm way more " , there are better options". But many are more passionate in their dislike and that's interesting to me.

 

[Capella]

Following up taking my dad to Olive Garden today after red lobster last month. He really likes these chains with bread. Can’t wait to see what this costs.

We won’t step foot into either of those chains.

God awful food.

I hate them both! But my old man insists and he’s an 80 year old diabetic so gotta see him when I can I guess.

We live in Florida, on the coast and there is an amazing seafood restaurant 5 minutes from
him and he insists on red lobster lol