Rising food, fuel costs raise restaurant prices, but meals are ‘still a bargain’ Published May 8, 2008 By Amanda Creel 78 ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, Ga. -- In a country where the prices of food and oil are increasing dramatically, it's no surprise Robins Base Restaurant is feeling the pinch. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price of a carton of eggs rose from $1.63 in March 2007 to $2.20 in March 2008 and gas prices soared from $2.50 in March 2007 to $3.69 a gallon in March 2008. These are just a few examples; similar price increases have left base restaurant managers with no choice but to adjust prices. The price increases, which were instated May 1, averaged between 25 and 35 cents, said Jon King, base restaurant manager. Some increases were as small as a nickel. Maybe it was the small increases that allowed Bill Bynum, a production control specialist with the 574th Commodities Maintenance Squadron, to purchase lunch recently without noticing the difference. Others, like Dick Hamilton, noticed the changes but felt they were fair. "Considering today's economy, I expected the price increases," said Mr. Hamilton, a training manager with the 572nd Commodities Maintenance Squadron. The blue plate special, a favorite for many restaurant diners, increased by 30 cents from $4.95 to $5.25, which Mr. King said was still a bargain compared to off base prices. "You can't even get a value meal at a fast food restaurant for that price," Mr. King said. The base restaurant is not only paying more for various food items being served, they are also feeling the affects of the rising fuel costs on paper goods because they are a petroleum based product, said John Filler, chief of business operations flight part of the 78th Services Division. "We have seen an increased cost for us and we have tried to hold the line," Mr. Filler said. "But everything is escalating to the point we just can't hold the line any longer." But after two years of holding prices and a 42 percent decrease in revenue, the price increase was the restaurant's only option, Mr. King said. Before the decision was made to increase prices, every avenue was exhausted, including considering the reduction of portion sizes. "We want to be a value without losing quality," Mr. King said. He explained the cost increase was the best way to provide the quality and quantities of food patrons are accustomed to. For many patrons of the base restaurant the price increase won't stop them from dining there. "I love the cafeteria, because it's convenient and it's easy to get to," said Cheryl Anderson, a training specialist with the 574th Commodities Maintenance Squadron. Ms. Anderson said her ability to walk to the restaurant allows her to save at the gas pump. The base restaurant won't be the only food service location on base where diners will notice a slight price increase, Mr. Filler said. Price increases will also be seen at On the Spot Café at the Robins Bowling Center, Pizza Depot, Fairways Grille at the Pine Oaks Golf Course, Heritage Club and Horizons. Some of the food service areas are bundling services to make meals a better value. For example, the bowling center is offering free shoe rental with the purchase of a meal at their dining facility. Similarly, Pine Oaks offers a free bucket of range balls with a meal purchase. Many of the food service providers also offer monthly and weekly specials to give their customers' wallets a break and to say thank you for their patronage. Though the restaurant feels forced to raise prices, Mr. King said the restaurant will continue to show its appreciation to customers through drawings for big ticket items, such as Atlanta Braves tickets and cameras, and through the annual Thanksgiving Dinner, where a traditional turkey dinner is served to all for just $3. Mr. Filler stressed the importance of food service revenue in providing dollars for many different programs on base, including outdoor recreation, base golf tournaments and unit funding, which offers $1 per civilian in each unit per year to be used for a unit function such as a Christmas party or unit picnic. "We don't earn a profit. Instead we create revenue that can be used to provide services and programs for the base community or to refurbish and preserve facilities," Mr. Filler said. "We are giving back to the base community instead of just pocketing any profits. The better we do the more we give back."