What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Restaurants have gotten so expensive……also recycling and phone apps (3 Viewers)

I looked at that $12.49 burger, and I was thinking "C'mon -- where was that? L.A.? Hawaii? It'll be much cheaper here!"

Checked that same bacon cheeseburger at our local 5 Guys, which is almost certainly one of the cheapest in the U.S. (almost all out chain places are rock-bottom).

Bacon Cheeseburger. NOLA suburbs. $10.55.**

"Can I get an extra bun on the side?"


** @Mister CIA , the Bacon Cheeseburger in the Jackson, MS burbs (Madison Cty) is now $12.69 :eek: . It's by some new hotels and high-ish-end shopping, but still.
$12.29 for the bacon dbl cheeseburger, $5.19 for small fries (which can feed 2) in Fort Mill, SC. We ain't all that round here.
I know nothing about McAllister's - is it a chain? what's it comparable to? - but that's a good deal if you like the food.
My bad, it's a chain but maybe regional. I'm in SC but I know they had them in OH when I lived there. It's advertised as a deli but they have some good combinations (like the aforementioned crunchy turkey jalapeno sammich).

You know what? I am an idiot. There is one in Front Royal, VA near to me and I have been there before - several times. Yeah, they are pretty good for the money.
Spelunker's still around? I remember them being an affordable, quality place for burgers.
 
I looked at that $12.49 burger, and I was thinking "C'mon -- where was that? L.A.? Hawaii? It'll be much cheaper here!"

Checked that same bacon cheeseburger at our local 5 Guys, which is almost certainly one of the cheapest in the U.S. (almost all out chain places are rock-bottom).

Bacon Cheeseburger. NOLA suburbs. $10.55.**

"Can I get an extra bun on the side?"


** @Mister CIA , the Bacon Cheeseburger in the Jackson, MS burbs (Madison Cty) is now $12.69 :eek: . It's by some new hotels and high-ish-end shopping, but still.
$12.29 for the bacon dbl cheeseburger, $5.19 for small fries (which can feed 2) in Fort Mill, SC. We ain't all that round here.
I know nothing about McAllister's - is it a chain? what's it comparable to? - but that's a good deal if you like the food.
My bad, it's a chain but maybe regional. I'm in SC but I know they had them in OH when I lived there. It's advertised as a deli but they have some good combinations (like the aforementioned crunchy turkey jalapeno sammich).

You know what? I am an idiot. There is one in Front Royal, VA near to me and I have been there before - several times. Yeah, they are pretty good for the money.
Spelunker's still around? I remember them being an affordable, quality place for burgers.
I don't know. My memory sucks these days (see my last post), but where was/is Spelunker's?
 
I looked at that $12.49 burger, and I was thinking "C'mon -- where was that? L.A.? Hawaii? It'll be much cheaper here!"

Checked that same bacon cheeseburger at our local 5 Guys, which is almost certainly one of the cheapest in the U.S. (almost all out chain places are rock-bottom).

Bacon Cheeseburger. NOLA suburbs. $10.55.**

"Can I get an extra bun on the side?"


** @Mister CIA , the Bacon Cheeseburger in the Jackson, MS burbs (Madison Cty) is now $12.69 :eek: . It's by some new hotels and high-ish-end shopping, but still.
$12.29 for the bacon dbl cheeseburger, $5.19 for small fries (which can feed 2) in Fort Mill, SC. We ain't all that round here.
I know nothing about McAllister's - is it a chain? what's it comparable to? - but that's a good deal if you like the food.
My bad, it's a chain but maybe regional. I'm in SC but I know they had them in OH when I lived there. It's advertised as a deli but they have some good combinations (like the aforementioned crunchy turkey jalapeno sammich).

You know what? I am an idiot. There is one in Front Royal, VA near to me and I have been there before - several times. Yeah, they are pretty good for the money.
Spelunker's still around? I remember them being an affordable, quality place for burgers.
I don't know. My memory sucks these days (see my last post), but where was/is Spelunker's?
Front Royal. A local fast food burger and custard place. It's really good.
 
Wish there was a McAlister's up here. More places should offer loaded baked potatoes as a meal. I remember they had great honey-mustard dressing, which I never consume anymore, but man, theirs was tasty!
 
The over $5 small fry is the biggest travesty there
Five Guys has been off my list since I experienced the same thing last year, dbl bacon burger, fries was $23. No thanks
I went to Five Guys last month and ordered the same thing. When they told me it was $22, I said, "you're kidding", they said no. I said "way too expensive" and walked out.

With your food or without?
Without.
 
:lmao:

I love the fact that people seem to think they are forced to go pay outrageous prices for fast food burgers. Do a tiny but of research and I bet you can find a taco place that has a way better deal or a grocery store that has ready made sandwiches for a fraction of the price.

My newest pet peeve is all the damn complaining. I get it when groceries are expensive because there may be no alternatives. I don't get the constant whining about buying things you don't need to buy. Oh my god! My double caramel mocha latte was 8 dollars!!
 
The over $5 small fry is the biggest travesty there
The problem is they don't actually have small fries. Their small fries are more fries than most places large fries. I don't know why they don't have a fries option for an individual person. But, it's been years since I went to Five Guys so I could be wrong about that.
Yeah - Five Guys has always been a bad value proposition if eating solo because portions are too large. When I buy Five Guys, it is usually with wife, and we each have a little cheeseburger, share a small fries, and no drink (just drink some water). And that is enough food to make me feel full. That probably ends up around the $23 total, which is reasonable for a dinner for two.

(But I suppose I’ve posted in here about the McDonald’s Happy Meal and Wendy’s $5 biggie bag; so, my stomach not as big as some others here.)
 
Last edited:
The over $5 small fry is the biggest travesty there
Five Guys has been off my list since I experienced the same thing last year, dbl bacon burger, fries was $23. No thanks
I went to Five Guys last month and ordered the same thing. When they told me it was $22, I said, "you're kidding", they said no. I said "way too expensive" and walked out.

Everyone clapped
Then continued eating lol
 
When I buy Five Guys, it is usually with wife, and we each have a little cheeseburger, share a small fries, and no drink (just drink some water).
My wife's go-to a few years back was their small cheeseburger About half the time, I'd get the same. We'd have our two kids with us typically, so we'd get the large fries -- more than enough fries for all of us.

Our bill for four used to be about $30-ish (blowing $8-10 on drinks). Three burgers, because son just ate peanuts and fries (not a burger fan).
 
The over $5 small fry is the biggest travesty there
Five Guys has been off my list since I experienced the same thing last year, dbl bacon burger, fries was $23. No thanks
I went to Five Guys last month and ordered the same thing. When they told me it was $22, I said, "you're kidding", they said no. I said "way too expensive" and walked out.

Everyone clapped
Zeppelin picked up his credit card ... and ....
 
I think Five guys burgers are far superior to any fast/casual option around, I gladly pay up for them.

I think the prices other fast food places charge now for basically crap is what is out of hand. If you give me a choice between $25 at five guys or $15 at McDonald's, I choose five guys every time.
 
People really feel committed to buying something just because they walked in the door? Even if they do, there's no commitment to buying a burger, fries, and soda. But I'm not familiar with people feeling a commitment to buying something in other kinds of businesses just because they are there.

Regarding the bolded: To a point, absolutely.

I mean, if the burger was like $100 ... yeah, you walk away from that. There's a point where you turn away. But the $12 bacon cheeseburger, IMHO, was within a reasonable "grin and bear it" range for most people. I could, however, see some people looking at the menu and leaving (but then you have to either go through the trouble of finding another place to eat on the spot, or else go home and eat). If you're walking into a Five Guys, you're generally there with the expectation and commitment of eating there, not with the expectation of checking prices first and then deciding whether to eat there.
I can’t imagine there’s an adult on earth that doesn’t know 5 Guys is pricey before they walk in the door
 
The over $5 small fry is the biggest travesty there
Five Guys has been off my list since I experienced the same thing last year, dbl bacon burger, fries was $23. No thanks
I went to Five Guys last month and ordered the same thing. When they told me it was $22, I said, "you're kidding", they said no. I said "way too expensive" and walked out.

With your food or without?
is that a U2 song? with or without food?
 
People really feel committed to buying something just because they walked in the door? Even if they do, there's no commitment to buying a burger, fries, and soda. But I'm not familiar with people feeling a commitment to buying something in other kinds of businesses just because they are there.

Regarding the bolded: To a point, absolutely.

I mean, if the burger was like $100 ... yeah, you walk away from that. There's a point where you turn away. But the $12 bacon cheeseburger, IMHO, was within a reasonable "grin and bear it" range for most people. I could, however, see some people looking at the menu and leaving (but then you have to either go through the trouble of finding another place to eat on the spot, or else go home and eat). If you're walking into a Five Guys, you're generally there with the expectation and commitment of eating there, not with the expectation of checking prices first and then deciding whether to eat there.
I can’t imagine there’s an adult on earth that doesn’t know 5 Guys is pricey before they walk in the door
No Alaska locations, and prices are higher there for most items.
 
Went to Terry Blacks BBQ in Austin, TX

1 giant beef rib
Jalapeño sausage
2 slices brisket
2 pork ribs
Creamed corn
Mac n cheese

Was like $85 and then I left 20% for cutting my meat I guess

Put it on the corporate card, probably get some flack for that one. Oh well. In hindsight I probably should have left a cash tip out of my own pocket
 
People really feel committed to buying something just because they walked in the door? Even if they do, there's no commitment to buying a burger, fries, and soda. But I'm not familiar with people feeling a commitment to buying something in other kinds of businesses just because they are there.

Regarding the bolded: To a point, absolutely.

I mean, if the burger was like $100 ... yeah, you walk away from that. There's a point where you turn away. But the $12 bacon cheeseburger, IMHO, was within a reasonable "grin and bear it" range for most people. I could, however, see some people looking at the menu and leaving (but then you have to either go through the trouble of finding another place to eat on the spot, or else go home and eat). If you're walking into a Five Guys, you're generally there with the expectation and commitment of eating there, not with the expectation of checking prices first and then deciding whether to eat there.
I can’t imagine there’s an adult on earth that doesn’t know 5 Guys is pricey before they walk in the door
It’s not being surprised that it’s pricey. It’s being surprised that it cost 1/3 more than it cost when you were last there.
 
My uncle came over to watch a few movies today and wanted Dominoes for lunch. I’m still gulping water but after delivery and tip it was 30 bucks for 2 pizzas with 3 toppings each. Probably the best deal I’ve had in ages.

Wouldn’t want to make a habit out of eating there though.
 
People really feel committed to buying something just because they walked in the door? Even if they do, there's no commitment to buying a burger, fries, and soda. But I'm not familiar with people feeling a commitment to buying something in other kinds of businesses just because they are there.

Regarding the bolded: To a point, absolutely.

I mean, if the burger was like $100 ... yeah, you walk away from that. There's a point where you turn away. But the $12 bacon cheeseburger, IMHO, was within a reasonable "grin and bear it" range for most people. I could, however, see some people looking at the menu and leaving (but then you have to either go through the trouble of finding another place to eat on the spot, or else go home and eat). If you're walking into a Five Guys, you're generally there with the expectation and commitment of eating there, not with the expectation of checking prices first and then deciding whether to eat there.
I can’t imagine there’s an adult on earth that doesn’t know 5 Guys is pricey before they walk in the door
It’s not being surprised that it’s pricey. It’s being surprised that it cost 1/3 more than it cost when you were last there.
I recently got my granddaughter a McFlurry, I think it was like $5. Gouging is pretty much everywhere now

🤷🏻‍♂️
 
$25+tip for a Huts Hamburger (bacon and cheese) with fries and a pop at the Austin airport but damn if that wasn’t one of the best burgers I’ve ever had
 
Daughter and I went out for some pizza at Sizzle Pie last night. 4 big old slices of pizza, 1 Boneyard RPM = $22. I left $5 in the cash tip jar. Wonderful evening out with the little rascal and I thought the expense was entirely reasonable. My slices were called "Napalm Breath" and let me tell you, that was a very well thought out name for what I ate. :bag:
 
Went to Terry Blacks BBQ in Austin, TX

1 giant beef rib
Jalapeño sausage
2 slices brisket
2 pork ribs
Creamed corn
Mac n cheese

Was like $85 and then I left 20% for cutting my meat I guess

Put it on the corporate card, probably get some flack for that one. Oh well. In hindsight I probably should have left a cash tip out of my own pocket
Yeah, but to be fair that beef rib was 2-3 pounds, right?
 
Went to Terry Blacks BBQ in Austin, TX

1 giant beef rib
Jalapeño sausage
2 slices brisket
2 pork ribs
Creamed corn
Mac n cheese

Was like $85 and then I left 20% for cutting my meat I guess

Put it on the corporate card, probably get some flack for that one. Oh well. In hindsight I probably should have left a cash tip out of my own pocket
Yeah, but to be fair that beef rib was 2-3 pounds, right?

I think it was only like 1.2 it was like $35/lb
 
We may all be a bit guilty of age-driven sticker shock. Listening to an investment podcast the other day, someone said (paraphrasing) if you bought two whoppers with fries and milkshakes from BK in 1989, the cost was $8.50, a touch more than the average national hourly wage of $7.90.

Today if you bought the same thing, the cost is in the neighborhood of $28, which is slightly less than the national hourly wage of $29.

I can't recall the exact figures, but the finding is the same. Costs haven't increased that much. Perhaps it's the inflation hit that's been so alarming.

Worth looking into more deeply though. Wage disparity may need to be part of the story to understand the real impact.
 
Went to Terry Blacks BBQ in Austin, TX

1 giant beef rib
Jalapeño sausage
2 slices brisket
2 pork ribs
Creamed corn
Mac n cheese

Was like $85 and then I left 20% for cutting my meat I guess

Put it on the corporate card, probably get some flack for that one. Oh well. In hindsight I probably should have left a cash tip out of my own pocket

I pray for your hotel toilet and the housekeepers who have to clean it.
 
We may all be a bit guilty of age-driven sticker shock. Listening to an investment podcast the other day, someone said (paraphrasing) if you bought two whoppers with fries and milkshakes from BK in 1989, the cost was $8.50, a touch more than the average national hourly wage of $7.90.

Today if you bought the same thing, the cost is in the neighborhood of $28, which is slightly less than the national hourly wage of $29.

I can't recall the exact figures, but the finding is the same. Costs haven't increased that much. Perhaps it's the inflation hit that's been so alarming.

Worth looking into more deeply though. Wage disparity may need to be part of the story to understand the real impact.
No question I fall squarely into the boomer mentality of "back in my day...". I get it, things go up and we live in a capitalistic society that promotes "getting what you can, when you can". I don't really have a problem with that. It just feels like things are out of proportion now more than in the past. Wages don't seem to be covering these less than gradual increases we've seen since COVID. Maybe that was the catalyst that the world was waiting for by artificially keeping prices lower than they should have been but I think there's more to it than that.
 
We may all be a bit guilty of age-driven sticker shock. Listening to an investment podcast the other day, someone said (paraphrasing) if you bought two whoppers with fries and milkshakes from BK in 1989, the cost was $8.50, a touch more than the average national hourly wage of $7.90.

Today if you bought the same thing, the cost is in the neighborhood of $28, which is slightly less than the national hourly wage of $29.

I can't recall the exact figures, but the finding is the same. Costs haven't increased that much. Perhaps it's the inflation hit that's been so alarming.

Worth looking into more deeply though. Wage disparity may need to be part of the story to understand the real impact.
No question I fall squarely into the boomer mentality of "back in my day...". I get it, things go up and we live in a capitalistic society that promotes "getting what you can, when you can". I don't really have a problem with that. It just feels like things are out of proportion now more than in the past. Wages don't seem to be covering these less than gradual increases we've seen since COVID. Maybe that was the catalyst that the world was waiting for by artificially keeping prices lower than they should have been but I think there's more to it than that.
wage growth is currently at 5% vs. 3.1%, wage growth has been higher that inflation since beginning of last year. For context peak inflation was 9.1% in mid '22 and wage inflation was 6.7% at that time. Now obv. this doesn't account for everyone's situation.
 
We may all be a bit guilty of age-driven sticker shock. Listening to an investment podcast the other day, someone said (paraphrasing) if you bought two whoppers with fries and milkshakes from BK in 1989, the cost was $8.50, a touch more than the average national hourly wage of $7.90.

Today if you bought the same thing, the cost is in the neighborhood of $28, which is slightly less than the national hourly wage of $29.

I can't recall the exact figures, but the finding is the same. Costs haven't increased that much. Perhaps it's the inflation hit that's been so alarming.

Worth looking into more deeply though. Wage disparity may need to be part of the story to understand the real impact.
No question I fall squarely into the boomer mentality of "back in my day...". I get it, things go up and we live in a capitalistic society that promotes "getting what you can, when you can". I don't really have a problem with that. It just feels like things are out of proportion now more than in the past. Wages don't seem to be covering these less than gradual increases we've seen since COVID. Maybe that was the catalyst that the world was waiting for by artificially keeping prices lower than they should have been but I think there's more to it than that.
wage growth is currently at 5% vs. 3.1%, wage growth has been higher that inflation since beginning of last year. For context peak inflation was 9.1% in mid '22 and wage inflation was 6.7% at that time. Now obv. this doesn't account for everyone's situation.
The thing about the wage growth and your perspective it's 100% local, as in the individual. My salary increased by 3% in 2023, and with my lack of bonus it went down like 10%. For someone else, they might have switched jobs and their salary went up 20%. They feel OK about handling the inflation. I don't feel so good as my disposable income dropped considerably.
 
We may all be a bit guilty of age-driven sticker shock. Listening to an investment podcast the other day, someone said (paraphrasing) if you bought two whoppers with fries and milkshakes from BK in 1989, the cost was $8.50, a touch more than the average national hourly wage of $7.90.

Today if you bought the same thing, the cost is in the neighborhood of $28, which is slightly less than the national hourly wage of $29.

I can't recall the exact figures, but the finding is the same. Costs haven't increased that much. Perhaps it's the inflation hit that's been so alarming.

Worth looking into more deeply though. Wage disparity may need to be part of the story to understand the real impact.
No question I fall squarely into the boomer mentality of "back in my day...". I get it, things go up and we live in a capitalistic society that promotes "getting what you can, when you can". I don't really have a problem with that. It just feels like things are out of proportion now more than in the past. Wages don't seem to be covering these less than gradual increases we've seen since COVID. Maybe that was the catalyst that the world was waiting for by artificially keeping prices lower than they should have been but I think there's more to it than that.
wage growth is currently at 5% vs. 3.1%, wage growth has been higher that inflation since beginning of last year. For context peak inflation was 9.1% in mid '22 and wage inflation was 6.7% at that time. Now obv. this doesn't account for everyone's situation.
The thing about the wage growth and your perspective it's 100% local, as in the individual. My salary increased by 3% in 2023, and with my lack of bonus it went down like 10%. For someone else, they might have switched jobs and their salary went up 20%. They feel OK about handling the inflation. I don't feel so good as my disposable income dropped considerably.
All good points. I've worked at the same place for 20 years and our standard is 2-3% every year with a year end profit share bonus. Most years it's pretty solid but this year I'm doubting we get anything in regards to a bonus. Regardless, food costs, typical monthly bills, etc here have far outstripped my typical raise. As you both said, it's very driven by the individual and Z Machines illustration summed it up well. The guy who works right next to me doing essentially the same thing I do for a different division doubled his salary coming to work for us a couple years ago.
 
@Dan Lambskin went to Ladder 4 the other week, real good stuff. Check it out- especially if you like wine. They don't do liquor and very limited beer menu but cool wines that are focused on Eastern Europe and France. The old firehouse is a great setting and the food is both interesting and excellent.
 
@Dan Lambskin went to Ladder 4 the other week, real good stuff. Check it out- especially if you like wine. They don't do liquor and very limited beer menu but cool wines that are focused on Eastern Europe and France. The old firehouse is a great setting and the food is both interesting and excellent.

Not a huge wine guy but I’ll drink it. I’ll try to check it out
 
@Dan Lambskin went to Ladder 4 the other week, real good stuff. Check it out- especially if you like wine. They don't do liquor and very limited beer menu but cool wines that are focused on Eastern Europe and France. The old firehouse is a great setting and the food is both interesting and excellent.

Not a huge wine guy but I’ll drink it. I’ll try to check it out
Get the basque cheesecake, citrus salad and scallops if they have it on the menu that day
 
Jersey Mike's hoagie $11 ..... Touch high but reasonable?
Big fan of jersey mikes. You can probably knock a buck or so off of that bc of their loyalty program.

I think it’s hands down the best major sub chain. They excel at both hot and cold subs. Not sure any of them make a better cold sub. Hot subs maybe some better, if pot belly counts. Also partial to tubbys but that may be more local
 
Jersey Mike's hoagie $11 ..... Touch high but reasonable?
Big fan of jersey mikes. You can probably knock a buck or so off of that bc of their loyalty program.

I think it’s hands down the best major sub chain. They excel at both hot and cold subs. Not sure any of them make a better cold sub. Hot subs maybe some better, if pot belly counts. Also partial to tubbys but that may be more local
Tubby's mushroom steak and cheese is solid. Jersey Mike's like you say does good cold subs which you can stash for later.
 
Traveling today and came by a McDonald’s in New Jersey that was advertising on their marquee “two filet-o-fish” for 3.99”.

I thought of this thread when reading that and thought that is a pretty good deal. I then thought if I got that deal, I would exactly double my filet-o-fish consumption in my lifetime.
 
Jersey Mike's hoagie $11 ..... Touch high but reasonable?
Big fan of jersey mikes. You can probably knock a buck or so off of that bc of their loyalty program.

I think it’s hands down the best major sub chain. They excel at both hot and cold subs. Not sure any of them make a better cold sub. Hot subs maybe some better, if pot belly counts. Also partial to tubbys but that may be more local
Tubby's mushroom steak and cheese is solid. Jersey Mike's like you say does good cold subs which you can stash for later.
Yep. I often “tailgate” at shows with them. I like their wheat bread.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top