Food Cost

[ishoot308]

I just paid $42 and change for two large roast beef subs and one bottle of soda water at Jon’s Roast Beef…

It came with a very small bag of chips and a pickle Yes they were very good but geez $42.00!

[thinkxingu]

Haven't been there, but Sub Crazy was mucho expensive last time I was there as well.

The only places we get subs in the Lakes Region these days are JoJo's and Market Basket.

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[DesertDweller]

Trifecta of higher product/ingredient costs, higher labor costs, and a place trying to make a year's worth of income during a +/- four month window. With that said, I looked at the picture of the large big bear and it looked pretty darn good........

[marinewife]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

I just paid $42 and change for two large roast beef subs and one bottle of soda water at Jon’s Roast Beef…

It came with a very small bag of chips and a pickle Yes they were very good but geez $42.00!

I haven't been there this year yet, but that probably means the subs are up to around $18.00 plus tax- being on the other side of the lake, it's a drive for lunch but my last roast beef sandwich there was awesome. My breakfast today at Village Kitchen was $25. and change for the two of us and we had their sausage gravy over biscuits with potatoes and coffees- super delicious.

[Irish mist]

You can get a steak bomb sub at Market Basket for 7 bucks. A good-sized one too.

I will not get a sub anywhere else.

[fatlazyless]

The Market Basket $5.25 tuna fish sub with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, banana peppers, yellow mustard and mayo on a large sub roll has to be the #1 food value in the history of the world since food was first invented ......

Rumor has it that a new Market Basket is coming to the Parade Rd in Laconia in maybe two years time.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Irish mist

You can get a steak bomb sub at Market Basket for 7 bucks. A good-sized one too.

I will not get a sub anywhere else.

JoJo's meatball is $13 this year, and I can only eat half (without feeling badly). Their crunchy sub roll is killer.

The only other place, besides Market Basket, that I still think is a value is Marc's (in Merrimack, I've not been to Benedetti's in Haverhill lately to know their prices). For $13/$24, his chicken parm or meatball is ridiculous. I think the Caligula (chicken parm, veal parm, meatball, and sausage) is $15/$28 and absurd.

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[8gv]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

The Market Basket $5.25 tuna fish sub with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, banana peppers, yellow mustard and mayo on a large sub roll has to be the #1 food value in the history of the world since food was first invented ......

Rumor has it that a new Market Basket is coming to the Parade Rd in Laconia in maybe two years time.

I shall try one. At that price I have nothing to lose.

Two Chinese take out combo dinners cost us $38 last night.

The same, albeit ten years ago and three hours south of here, used to cost $18.

Perhaps the new normal for restaurant pricing will help us all shed a few pounds.

Or not...

[Biggd]

And they are saying inflation is coming down, I'm not seeing it?

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Biggd

And they are saying inflation is coming down, I'm not seeing it?

Inflation coming down and prices coming down are very different.

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[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

The Market Basket $5.25 tuna fish sub with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, banana peppers, yellow mustard and mayo on a large sub roll has to be the #1 food value in the history of the world since food was first invented ......

Rumor has it that a new Market Basket is coming to the Parade Rd in Laconia in maybe two years time.

It will probably have the market ready to go, as long as Pillsbury decides to close on the property.

The State, and even the City, have a very tough time understanding the concepts of private property.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Inflation coming down and prices coming down are very different.

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Prices are rising more slowly...
But CPI is presented from a national perspective, with food and fuel removed from the number due to volatility.

I expect food, labor, and property-related costs to continue to rise higher than the actual number.

[retired]

One way we can all try to keep prices down is by being good consumers and refuse to pay the high prices. Shop around and get the best deal and maybe those high prices will begin to come down.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Inflation coming down and prices coming down are very different.

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Prices are still going up. Every year I buy a new grate for my Weber Charcoal grill, I used to buy them at Home Depot for under $20, now they are $45.

[John Mercier]

Ask for the Stainless Steel upgrade.
The last I knew Weber made an SS version to fit every unit.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by retired

One way we can all try to keep prices down is by being good consumers and refuse to pay the high prices. Shop around and get the best deal and maybe those high prices will begin to come down.

Not really.
The high prices are due to consumption patterns.

Put more stress on another outlet, and their prices will rise.

Customer efficiency is the only way that customers can make prices go down.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Ask for the Stainless Steel upgrade.
The last I knew Weber made an SS version to fit every unit.

The stainless versions rust after they have been heated also.

[HiHarry]

We all keep just accepting that prices are going up and that's that. The Consumer "Us" are in control. If we stop the demand or even curb it, prices will come down until we come back. The problem is an I am as guilty as everyone is I love Subs lol and probably will not stop buying them. But it is true, simple economics of supply and demand. Go to Market Basket for a great 7 dollar sub until these other places come down on their prices. Just a thought

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by HiHarry

We all keep just accepting that prices are going up and that's that. The Consumer "Us" are in control. If we stop the demand or even curb it, prices will come down until we come back. The problem is an I am as guilty as everyone is I love Subs lol and probably will not stop buying them. But it is true, simple economics of supply and demand. Go to Market Basket for a great 7 dollar sub until these other places come down on their prices. Just a thought

I wish Market Basket was close to me. I will cost me $7 in gas to go there and back.

[Irish mist]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

JoJo's meatball is $13 this year, and I can only eat half (without feeling badly). Their crunchy sub roll is killer.

The only other place, besides Market Basket, that I still think is a value is Marc's (in Merrimack, I've not been to Benedetti's in Haverhill lately to know their prices). For $13/$24, his chicken parm or meatball is ridiculous. I think the Caligula (chicken parm, veal parm, meatball, and sausage) is $15/$28 and absurd.

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It's a difficult environment out there concerning food prices at every level.

Chinese take-out has gone up a lot just about everywhere.

Baked goods, even in the supermarket, are through the roof.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by HiHarry

We all keep just accepting that prices are going up and that's that. The Consumer "Us" are in control. If we stop the demand or even curb it, prices will come down until we come back. The problem is an I am as guilty as everyone is I love Subs lol and probably will not stop buying them. But it is true, simple economics of supply and demand. Go to Market Basket for a great 7 dollar sub until these other places come down on their prices. Just a thought

The cost of food is not directly related to our area.
The cost of labor and the cost of property is.

No one can come down. We can close our businesses.

[Biggd]

Well, I hope they make enough this summer because I feel it's going to be a slow fall and winter season ahead.

[Garcia]

There are opposing forces in play. You can't have a "fair" (you be the judge of what that is) wages, a reasonable profit for small business owners, low taxes, and affordable property while also maintaining low prices. Something has to give.

Personally, I pay for things that have value to me - these same things, and their subsequent costs - may or may not seem like a value to others. Will I pay $25 for a sub? Probably not. Was I in the city the other day and willing to pay $50 to park because it was close and convenient? Yes.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Garcia

There are opposing forces in play. You can't have a "fair" (you be the judge of what that is) wages, a reasonable profit for small business owners, low taxes, and affordable property while also maintaining low prices. Something has to give.

Agree 100%!

Dan

[Descant]

Huge sub and two drinks this weekend at Lakeside in Gilford was $20.35. I didn't check the receipt, but I'd guess about $1.50 each for drinks and $2.00 for tax, so the sub was ~$15.00. Huge, overflowing and all tasty fresh.
How many on this thread, discussing the price of a sub, get in their boats, where we measure fuel economy in gallons per hour, to go buy an ice cream cone? Now, that's important as I go out for ice cream a lot more than for subs. And, yes, we also get ice cream at Market Basket.

[John Mercier]

I don't think they are just worried about the current price... but also where those prices are headed.

Locally, our labor force is depleted.

[Mr. V]

Originally Posted by Garcia

There are opposing forces in play. You can't have a "fair" (you be the judge of what that is) wages, a reasonable profit for small business owners, low taxes, and affordable property while also maintaining low prices. Something has to give.

And yet...things weren't ALWAYS this way. Growing up as a boomer i don't recall my folks complaining the way people do now: what changed?

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Mr. V

And yet...things weren't ALWAYS this way. Growing up as a boomer i don't recall my folks complaining the way people do now: what changed?

Social media and 24 hour TV news

[Winilyme]

Originally Posted by Mr. V

And yet...things weren't ALWAYS this way. Growing up as a boomer i don't recall my folks complaining the way people do now: what changed?

I clearly remember my Dad commenting in the 70s about how he couldn’t believe that it cost $40 or so per week to feed our middle class family of five. I wouldn’t call it complaining but it was very much on his mind.

[WinnisquamZ]

Remembering the white labeled can goods and government cheese give aways


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[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Mr. V

And yet...things weren't ALWAYS this way. Growing up as a boomer i don't recall my folks complaining the way people do now: what changed?

My parents complained all the time but there was no social media to spread their complaints beyond their close-knit friends!

[Garcia]

Originally Posted by Mr. V

And yet...things weren't ALWAYS this way. Growing up as a boomer i don't recall my folks complaining the way people do now: what changed?

Two things are striking - health care and housing costs. Both, for whatever reason, take up a significantly larger percent of my salary than my parents' salary. And, over the past 30 years or so, both property tax and health care costs have grown at a higher rate than my salary. Same is true of cars. My first good, dependable used car back in the mid 80's cost less of a percentage of my part time job than what my kids are looking at today.

That said, health care covers more, cars have more safety features and computerized components, and houses have grown in size.

[fatlazyless]

Chicken Parm w/Penne & Marinara Sauce ...... 1.48-lbs, $4.49/lb, price $6.65 .... red label Manager Special ..... new price $3.33 .... you save $3.32 ..... sell by 6/17/25

Purchased today, 6/17 at about 8:15-am at Market Basket, Plymouth NH. Is refrigerated at will be very good to go in the microwave.

Such a deal .....

Hurray for Market Basket and their red label manager special reduced price, mark-downs ....... is best to get there at about 8-am before the mark-downs get sold.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Garcia

Two things are striking - health care and housing costs. Both, for whatever reason, take up a significantly larger percent of my salary than my parents' salary. And, over the past 30 years or so, both property tax and health care costs have grown at a higher rate than my salary. Same is true of cars. My first good, dependable used car back in the mid 80's cost less of a percentage of my part time job than what my kids are looking at today.

That said, health care covers more, cars have more safety features and computerized components, and houses have grown in size.

I disagree on the health care, I think they cover less.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by Garcia

Two things are striking - health care and housing costs. Both, for whatever reason, take up a significantly larger percent of my salary than my parents' salary. And, over the past 30 years or so, both property tax and health care costs have grown at a higher rate than my salary. Same is true of cars. My first good, dependable used car back in the mid 80's cost less of a percentage of my part time job than what my kids are looking at today.

That said, health care covers more, cars have more safety features and computerized components, and houses have grown in size.

Housing is a killer for those in their 20s/30s today, and it's a great illustration of how "a rising tide does not lift all boats". We have bid up the cost of a very limited resource--the most attractive land--based on what we can afford. Too bad for our kids...

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I disagree on the health care, I think they cover less.

We need to remember that many of the most expensive treatments today did not exist decades ago. Cancer, heart disease, etc, have plenty of super expensive life-extending treatments today that were not part of the equation before--people just died. Then toss in more obesity, stress, etc, and insurance costs are up again.

Not saying the insurers are good guys--they're often heartless bastards--only that they are spending more per person due to medical advances and lifestyle declines

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

We need to remember that many of the most expensive treatments today did not exist decades ago. Cancer, heart disease, etc, have plenty of super expensive life-extending treatments today that were not part of the equation before--people just died. Then toss in more obesity, stress, etc, and insurance costs are up again.

Not saying the insurers are good guys--they're often heartless bastards--only that they are spending more per person due to medical advances and lifestyle declines

A very good friend of mine just had a triple bypass 6 months ago, he also has diabetes and Parkinsons and his wife has health issues also. They told us at dinner a few weeks ago that they spend $2800 a month on drugs, He turns 72 tomorrow and his wife just turned 68. Their Medicare supplement costs them $286 per month.

[retired]

We had a fantastic shrimp scampi dinner for two the other night for about $10. Even had leftovers for lunch. Cooked it myself at home. Why go out to eat and pay those ridiculous prices when you can eat much better, cheaper and healthier at home?

[LoveLakeLife]

Originally Posted by retired

We had a fantastic shrimp scampi dinner for two the other night for about $10. Even had leftovers for lunch. Cooked it myself at home. Why go out to eat and pay those ridiculous prices when you can eat much better, cheaper and healthier at home?

Sometimes it’s a lifestyle thing. I’ve never turned on a stove or oven, as cooking for one seems silly, at least to me. Instead I’ve eaten out almost daily for forty years.


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[TomC]

Going out to a restaurant is clearly more than just eating for sustenance. Its often social, something to do, and giving a break to the primary family cook!

[bigdog]

Originally Posted by Biggd

A very good friend of mine just had a triple bypass 6 months ago, he also has diabetes and Parkinsons and his wife has health issues also. They told us at dinner a few weeks ago that they spend $2800 a month on drugs, He turns 72 tomorrow and his wife just turned 68. Their Medicare supplement costs them $286 per month.

I had a quadruple bypass 2 yrs ago, in hospital 1 week. Total bill was $425k.
Insurance company (Harvard Pilgrim), paid all but $1,000, I couldn't write my check out fast enough ! Now on 1 lifetime high colesterol med, just to keep that in check, but with my new insurance company (United Heath Care), I pay zero for that prescription. Blessed beyond my expectations!
Sorry, I hijacked thread but wanted to share medical costs etc....

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by bigdog

I had a quadruple bypass 2 yrs ago, in hospital 1 week. Total bill was $425k.
Insurance company (Harvard Pilgrim), paid all but $1,000, I couldn't write my check out fast enough ! Now on 1 lifetime high colesterol med, just to keep that in check, but with my new insurance company (United Heath Care), I pay zero for that prescription. Blessed beyond my expectations!
Sorry, I hijacked thread but wanted to share medical costs etc....

Consider it, "food for thought".

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by TomC

Going out to a restaurant is clearly more than just eating for sustenance. Its often social, something to do, and giving a break to the primary family cook!

It is the same for us when we eat at home.

I had to go on the Mount recently for an event.

Buffet was something I am used to as the way my family and friends gather, we just forgo the water and noise from the band.

[ITD]

The fifty is the new twenty.

[BroadHopper]

I hear you! I only eat out socially. We prefer to share an entree, limit alcohol to one drink, and forget dessert.

Frequent flyer cards help a lot! Once a year the Common Man chain has a coupon booklet for sale as a gift item for Christmas. I prefer to give myself! LOL! 55+ Card at Tbones/Cactus Jack sure adds up fast!

AARP cards are accepted at most chains. Another way to save.

As for insurance, I have diabetes. Tell Melcher and Prescott what conditions you currently have and they will come up with recommendations. I currently have AARP (United Healthcare) supplemental and AARP Walgreens prescription plan. My diabetes medicines are no extra cost.

AARP travel will give me a baseline for trip cost. I shop around using that as a basis. Almost always end up using AARP (Expedia).

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by ITD

The fifty is the new twenty.

Sad but true!

[Trail Goer]

Originally Posted by Biggd

And they are saying inflation is coming down, I'm not seeing it?

As long as people keep buy high, the prices will never come down.

[Tofu]

Originally Posted by retired

We had a fantastic shrimp scampi dinner for two the other night for about $10. Even had leftovers for lunch. Cooked it myself at home. Why go out to eat and pay those ridiculous prices when you can eat much better, cheaper and healthier at home?

Because of Laziness and Convenience of TODAY'S SOCIETY. What is this saying about the future of our children ??

[Descant]

When they were younger, we went out with the kids and I always picked up the check. Things were cheaper then. Now, they all have great jobs and I never pick up the check. Don't forget veterans discount. Free meals lots of places on Veteran's Day. If you're not a vet, tell your kids to serve for a few years. Lots of good things later in life, and a weekend warrior $$ supplement in early career years.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by Tofu

Because of Laziness and Convenience of TODAY'S SOCIETY. What is this saying about the future of our children ??

They are the ones that started the cooking at home trend.

I had several as customers over the years.
White vinyl windows with a focus on the energy efficiency and warranty.

They would literally order all the windows the same size double hung egress, and a few for the kitchen and bath of a different size.

Colonial six panel doors with rot-proof frames and ball bearing hinges, same for the back but in a nine lite version.

They spend a lot of time taking basic ingredients, basic building material, heck anything off-the-shelf and then just sprucing it up.

[Tofu]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

They are the ones that started the cooking at home trend.

I had several as customers over the years.
White vinyl windows with a focus on the energy efficiency and warranty.

They would literally order all the windows the same size double hung egress, and a few for the kitchen and bath of a different size.

Colonial six panel doors with rot-proof frames and ball bearing hinges, same for the back but in a nine lite version.

They spend a lot of time taking basic ingredients, basic building material, heck anything off-the-shelf and then just sprucing it up.

I'm sure their cardboard counter tops where delicious yet a little tough swallowing. This new age is all about doordash, grubhub, and any other easy fix for them without the thought of the cost. I'm talking the REAL WORLD not just little Laconia. Home Cooking started with parents who COULD NOT AFFORD to take their 3 kids out to dinner. Now Credit Cards pay for the CONVIENCE. Maybe coming down a couple of notches to actual reality (the world or the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them ) might see the forest thru the trees.

[John Mercier]

They're going for happiness.

According to the financials, DoorDash is not profitable and GrubHub is seeing a revenue decline... so the change is probably going every where.