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Eating Into Budgets Save Email Print
WTAP News
Posted: 6:55 PM May 15, 2008
Last Updated: 11:48 PM May 15, 2008
Reporter: Todd Baucher
Email Address: todd.baucher@wtap.com

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For some who like to eat out, the impact of higher prices of both food and fuel haven't taken their toll...yet.

"Probably about three times a week," said diner Marion Carr, when asked how often she eats out. When asked if she might have to cut back, Carr said, "Sure...if prices keep going up."

But some establishments, including Caesar's Restaurant in Parkersburg, have noticed people on fixed incomes coming in less than they used to. But restaurant owners, like consumers, are feeling the effects of higher food prices...for what they need to prepare meals.

"A few months ago, we paid $11-12 for 50 pounds of flour," said Caesar's owner, George Tannous. "Now, we're paying $30-31. Vegetable oil went up 50%"

Neither Caesars', or River City Tavern and Grill, are substantially raising prices. But River City is keeping an eye on its spending, without trying to cut back on their offerings.

"By asking customers if they need additional side items instead of actually giving it to them," says River City Manager Steve Peters, "different areas where we can be more efficient, to prevent us form actually making increases (in prices) in the menu."

But restaurants aren't sure they can keep prices down forever.

"Just like everything else," Peters says, "if they continue to climb, we would be forced to make increases. But right now, we feel we can continue to work on the operation side."

And restaurant owners tell us they're forced to pay and extra fee for transportation costs...for food items to be delivered to their businesses.

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