Comments on: McGowan's Pub Coming to Oakhurst

By: Gustav

Gustav — Sat, 02 May 2009 21:04:05 +0000

I once knew someone who would carry instant lemonade packages in their purse, order water, and just use their own instant

By: Gustav

Gustav — Sat, 02 May 2009 19:19:25 +0000

I think my point is missed. It seems that people are always saying how restaurants are working on a small margin but they forget about the other small businesses out there who work on similar or even smaller margins. I was only pointing out the falacies in determining profit margin, not saying that a good restaurant is not worth the money. There are many factors that enter into determining profit margin which all small and large businesses share but yet it seems that it is always the restaurant that is given as an example of small profit margins, Not “By Hand South” or “Wits End” or “Taste”. I am also at a bit of a loss to understand how the ‘2 tablespoons of Pimento Cheese” at Watershed is any worse of a ‘deal’ than is a green salad at Palate. People are free to order it, or not. Afterall, . If we look at ‘overhead’ no one has to look further than Chef Scott Peacock, a nationally acclaimed chef at Watershed vesus who? at Palate (as an example). It was also mentioned that Watershed did not mention their ingredients (specifcally the pimento cheese) as being local or artisanal? Watershed states: “Whenever possible, we support local organic farming”, perhaps, but perhaps not, one step up from the Dekalb Farmers Market. Even though the meatloaf at 10.50 was lauded, the Tuesday evening Fried Chicken at Watershed was overlooked (get there early. it sells out by 5:30-6:00). Or, take a look at their wine selection. And tableclothes? Watershed has them. Uniforms for waiters/waitresses? Chances are if there is a ‘uniform’ the employee purchases their own white shirt and black pants/skirt. No, I’m not a ‘bean counter” (I’ve actually never been to a Walmart, but do frequent Target) but I do believe in value, whether it be from the kitchen of a well known chef or from Palate or from Kroger and its a matter of where that value is, including quality and taste of the food, the ingenuity of the menu, the ambience, the service, and the convenience as to who I frequent. And I love Watersheds’ pimento cheese, with or without valet parking. Afterall, everyone knows its cheaper to feed yourself at home, thats not why people go out.

By: lumpintheroad

lumpintheroad — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:35:38 +0000

Those lamenting wine markups: Don’t forget that on Mondays, Watershed knocks 50% off every bottle they offer.

By: CSD Mom

CSD Mom — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:13:06 +0000

The beverages are what kill your wallet. We only get water when we go out. If they kids want lemonade, they have to bring their own money. Luckily we’re not wine drinkers, so we can eat out and support restaurants but still walk away with our wallet somewhat intact!

By: grumble

grumble — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:49:57 +0000

Thanks for backing me up! I’m feeling the love.

The only thing I would point out is that beverages are one of the few places where the markup is higher because one can only mark up an entree or a side item so much and get away with it. $2 for an iced tea seems reasonable, but in the context of profit margins, 1000% sounds greedy, right?

But restauranteurs anticipate the bean counters that say, ‘Well at Publix I can buy ground round for 4.49/LB.’ Like chip and check Mexican restaurants and peanuts are the bar, there are ‘loss leaders’ in place to get you to buy the beverages where they make the real profit.

Oh, and Gustav, with that shopping list? Don’t ever make your meatloaf out of ground round = that has been bugging me all day. Try a mix of sirloin (40%) and chuck (60%) and treat your family of four to some bacon wrapped around it.

Most of the world’s families eat for less than $10/day, so get over the obvious markup and dine out as your budget allows!