[Bobcuse]

We all have noticed a gradual increase in prices at the restaurants in TV, usually shrouded with a new menu supposedly printed to introduce new entrees while actually done to jack the prices while distracting you with the new menu. Hey, it's a business and they have a right to make all the money they want. I get that. It usually happens just before the snowbirds and seasonal renters arrive. But here's my beef: the CPI last year rose 1.6%. The published inflation rate for 2013 was 1.6%. My social security payment rose 1.5%. So why did at least a few popular restaurants here jack their prices 10-20% ? Simple....because they can. It's their business. They know we like to eat out. They know our population is skyrocketing. They know we will wait 45-90 minutes for the privilege to eat at their establishments so why not jack the price and make a killing? We ate at City Fire last evening, a place we usually enjoy a couple times a month, and I realized the prices for a couple of the popular entrees we order were higher....20% higher than late last year! Life goes on, and if I ate at home more I wouldn't get so frustrated. I get that too. It's just disappointing that you find a place you like and they take advantage of you by gouging you with the pricing after they have established their customer base. But it only happens once with me. I will never go back.