Local Restaurants Dealing With Increasing Costs During Pandemic

The cost to go out to eat could be a bit higher in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. "So we posted the notice right on the door so people that didn't see the social media post will be able to read it before they walk in. No surprises," Jim Nearing, co-owner of Sinful Burger in Bellevue tells 6 News.

Nearing says they were forced to charge customers more to keep up with the rising costs of meat. He said he is paying four dollars more for a pound of beef. "About $6 a pound vs $2 a pound."

The extra amount on your bill is temporary, but Nearing says it's necessary to keep serving customers.

"We're losing money. Every burger we sell right now. We lose money," he says. "We held on as long as we could. We have to pass along or share it. So we decided to share it. And we're going to eat a dollar and customers will pay a dollar more."

At Blue Sushi Sake Grill they are charging a four percent packaging fee. You find out about the charge when ordering online and clicking the estimated taxes and fees.

The restaurant says the charge is 'during corona' and the fee will show up on your paper receipt. Some diners says they realize people may not agree with a slightly larger bill.

"It's not great especially for people that aren't working and are wanting to do takeout or dine-in or things like that," Sara Eblen, a frequent customer of local restaurants told 6 News.

However customers understand why businesses are making the decision. "Down the road, you have to really think about do you want those businesses to still be there? Or would you prefer everything to be closed?" Kristine told 6 News while visiting local businesses in downtown Omaha.

As his prices go up, Nearing hopes his customers continue dining with him, and he said he will continue sharing information with them.

"It's not right to surprise people like that. I wouldn't like it."


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