LYNCHBURG, Va (WFXR) — Consumers are getting hit hard at restaurants as the cost of dining out remains high.
But with fewer and fewer people going out to eat, local restaurants are also feeling the heat.
A beloved location in the Lynchburg community, “Val’s Comfort Kitchen” is one of countless restaurants dealing with rising prices and decreasing customers.
“I’ve had to make some decisions, I’ve had to change business hours, I’ve had to raise the prices of our food. did not want to do that, but unfortunately shopping on a day-to-day basis, the prices of food have skyrocketed,” said Owner, Val Braxton.
Braxton even had to get rid of a position to cut costs until things pick up.
“As a team, we’re just making it happen to cover that position,” she said.
Dean of the Business School at the University of Lynchburg, Nancy Hubbard, says studies show that up to 80% of people say they’re eating at restaurants less and less due to inflation.
“They stop taking part of activities that they see as luxury activities, and dining out is one of those,” said Hubbard.
But, she says restaurants are getting creative to combat that.
“Some restaurants have tried to pivot, much as they had to during COVID, and come up with new ways to attract customers on days when they’re not normally busy,” said Hubbard.
Hubbard says there’s no real timeline on when some restaurants and customers may see some relief in prices.
However, some good news, Braxton says holidays are typically still very busy for her restaurant and create a significant boost in business.
