The Blue Iguana restaurant in Salt Lake City on Monday. Restaurant owners feel the inflation first hand. (Stuart Johnson, KSL-TV)
Estimated reading time: 1-2 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY – Gas, groceries, jobs: you name it and you’ll find that inflation has hit wallets seemingly everywhere you turn your head.
It’s no surprise, then, that restaurant owners are feeling the pinch first hand, since dishing out quality food comes with a hefty price tag.
Blue Iguana in Salt Lake City is one of those restaurants feeling the effects of inflation.
German Beltran, Blue Iguana’s general manager, said he has worked there for more than 10 years. He said while inflation makes it difficult, he recognizes consistency is key for customers who keep coming back.
“Sometimes it’s very difficult, because sometimes you can get the meat for example in a day for 2 dollars. The next day it’s $4 or $5,” Beltran said.
He said the last thing he wanted to do was raise menu prices.
So far, Blue Iguana hasn’t had to, but with ongoing inflation, price hikes may be inevitable.
Blue Iguana’s owner said the local vendors who use them are increasing prices by at least 15% across the board.
Additionally, they have to pay employees $2 to $5 more per hour to keep up with the competition.
“Don’t do that people, they’ll start looking for another job,” Beltran said.
He said they don’t compromise on quality.
“They expect the best of the best,” he added.
In recent years, the Salt Palace Convention Center has been closed due to the pandemic. This year, however, its doors will be open again.
Blue Iguana’s owner said it’s a good thing for their business, especially for their location, because when the Salt Palace Convention Center is open, their business booms.
×
photos
similar posts
Kara Brackin