As Parks Set Food Prices This Year...

[The Interpreter]

Just a little something to ponder:

...

Restaurant business has hit a five-year low, according to the National Restaurant Association. Forty-nine percent of eateries it polled in January reported declining sales in December. That figure was up from 44 percent in November, suggesting a downward trend.

Overall restaurant sales growth is expected to slow to 3.6 percent in 2008, from 5.1 percent in 2007, said Sarah Malik, a Johnson & Wales University Charlotte campus faculty member....

emphasis in the original:

http://www.charlotte.com/business/story/534226.html

[SOB_TOM]

Im sure when that poll was done, it wasnt focused on theme parks.

At the same time, I think prices are high for what we get, and if the park keeps serving the same food, then lower the prices. The normal park guest is already paying $50 to get in, and then the park expects them to pay close to what, $40-$50 to have a family of four eat at the park? When does common sense take over business concerns? Yes, I realize that Cedar Fair is a little low on cash, and there is a recession in the economy, but why should that stop KI from using its head and lowering some of its prices?

Let common sense rule, and hopefully the world will right itself.

[The Interpreter]

A family of four would have a VERY difficult time finding a full meal at a Cedar Fair park for $40-$50. And then they wonder why the parking lots have plenty of people either picnicking or leaving the park to go find food?

Also note that the full article is mostly about how upscale places with high prices are hurting the most, while inexpensive restaurants are actually doing well. There's a lesson in there for the parks, somewhere...should they choose to heed it.