Originally Posted by
Eastbay1K
This is "high end" dining for a lot of people, and they just can't afford it anymore. Taking a family of 4 for dinner at one of these places, without much in the alcohol department, has to be $50 to $75, with beverages and tip, no? I'd consider it "mid tier" to the extent that it isn't high end, and it isn't rear end. I suppose in a lot of places, there aren't a lot of mid-tier dining options, other than these megachains.
Also, all it takes is that same "family of 4" to order 1 less dessert, order water instead of sodas, etc., for the entire table profit to go down the toilet, while still needing the same kitchen and wait staff to serve. Methinks this is going on in a lot of restaurants, even those that are crowded and popular.
We go to casual dining places (sometimes chains, sometimes local diners) once or twice per week with the kids, and yes, it usually comes to $50-75 all-in with a couple of beers.
Obama thinks we are rich (what BS) and my job is as secure as any job ever is, but we are being a little more cautious, and will be cutting back - a combination of fewer better meals out with the kids, and more takeout/order in. OTOH, our fine dining as a couple and with friends will not change.
Fine dining will doubtless take a hit in finance centers like NYC, but elsewhere I would expect the impact to be limited to less extragant wine purchases.