Restaurants are moving towards dynamic menu prices. Expect big surcharges for peak times. Don’t expect off peak prices to drop much. Labor costs are rising too.
by Mike ‘Mish’ Shedlock
Mish Talk
Surge Pricing Is Coming to You
Restaurants are experimenting with surge pricing to deal with peak hours and staffing demand. They like it. You probably won’t.
The Wall Street Journal reports Surge Pricing Is Coming to More Menus Near You
Restaurants like San Diego-based Cali BBQ are experimenting with a form of the dynamic pricing long used by airlines, hotels and ride-hailing services. Technology providers are pitching services that enable restaurants to change prices weekly or monthly, increasing or slashing the cost of a taco or sandwich between a few quarters to several dollars, depending on demand and sales patterns.