LAFAYETTE, La (KADN)- Many restaurants across the country have been raising their prices due to inflation, including here in Acadiana.
Hot Food Express announced on social media Monday that there would be a temporary increase in menu prices due to the increased cost of food. Some people commented stated that they understand, while others voiced their frustrations.
Zee Baloch, the owner, said that this is the first time he had to change his prices in 19 years of business.
“I hope people understand what I'm doing. Because I really don't want to shut down my doors especially been in the business for (almost) 20 years,” Baloch said.
Baloch suppliers have been steadily increasing their prices since the beginning of the pandemic. The owner said he held out for as long as he could in hopes that prices would go back down.
“When I asked my supplier, ‘Hey, is this gonna last forever?’ They're like, ‘oh no soon’ I say ‘how do you know? Oh, that's what I'm hearing from the manufacturer’ or ‘this is what I'm hearing from the production teams’ he said.
At first, Baloch feared making the announcement on social media because of the backlash he may receive. He wants it to be known that the price increase is not for personal gain.
“The price is going up is not really benefiting my profit. Prices going up is keeping me afloat,” he added.
In August, a case of seasoned fries cost Baloch $19, this week that same case of fries costs $39.
“Chicken used to be $1.62 (per case) right now I'm paying $4.09. So that's like over 100% so I had to go up to stay afloat,” he said.
One preventative measure Baloch tried to take to avoid price change was cutting back on labor and changing his hours and days of operation.
He also stepped back in the kitchen as a chef to ensure everything would still run smoothly.
“I have to go in the kitchen is because I had to watch everything now … watch the portions, watch the waste. I mean every single detail you have to pay attention to and especially you're going up on the prices. You know, the customers he got to see that you're involved (and that) you're doing your best,” he said.
Although Hot Food Express did receive backlash on social media, the owner believes he made the best choice for his business.
“I have no choice but to go up on the prices, I have a big commitment to the community. They have supported me for years … years and they still are and I want to thank everybody for showing their love and support,” he said.
Items have only been increased on the Hot Food Express menu by 10%-15%. The owner promises customers those prices will go back to normal, once inflation comes to an end.
