Since "FOY" ST asked about this visit in the comments of my previous post; I thought I'd just go ahead and do this.
I'm sure that everyone who reading this blog in the US have noticed the rise in prices over the last two years…..it's hard not to notice. My dollar and I'm sure your dollar does not go as far these days as it used to, though in some cases (definitely not gas prices) the change might seem more subtle. Though in other cases it's quite obvious and perhaps a bit disturbing as well. As I mentioned in my previous post on GyroGrill, I was a bit shocked at how prices had risen since they opened back in October of 2020.
Now, I'm not doing this post as a condemnation, nor am I in anyway angry at GG. I believe that they are trying, as many other businesses are to survive. But, for some reason the prices at GG just seem to be an indicator of rising prices for me. I'm sure we all have that "internal price gauge" for certain thigs.
So, just last week I headed over to see how things were at GyroGrill and to see if the sign for Tenkatori, which is opening in the same strip mall had gone up (it hasn't). I walked into GyroGrill to place my usual order for the Gyro Combo – this is the current price.
Whoa, it's now $14! To think that when GG opened in October of 2020, a mere nineteen months ago, the combo was a mere $7.99 To be perfectly honest, perhaps it was under priced. In August of 2021 it was $8.99, still a bargain in my mind. It October of 2021, a year after they opened, it was $10.99, a 27% increase in a year. When I visited in January of this year, it was $12.99 a 15% increase in three months. And now, less than three months later it's $14…….
The food; well it's pretty much the same.
A bit less potatoes and I noticed no tzatziki included anymore; though that might have just been overlooked. The gyros were even drier, gummy, and lacking in seasoning than I recalled on my last visit. It was also barely warmed through…..as it had been pre-sliced and set out in a hotel pan. At least the potatoes were still crisp and crunchy and the pita was quite full of pork; albeit dry and kinda tough pork.
Now, if the gyros here were as good as Zgara (I think their lunch Gyro special still hovers around ten bucks – but you gotta figure how location affects prices) I might be ok with that. But in my opinion it's not.
Like I said in the beginning, this is not a condemnation of GG; they are doing what they need to do to survive. It is, at least to me, an illustration of inflation and the economy. The Consumer Price Index for February rose by 7.9% over the last 12 months, the largest increase since January of 1982. I'm hoping the effects of all the disruptions and inflation start tailing down soon.
And then it'll be interesting to see if places start actually lowering their prices.
Gyrogrill
6780 Miramar Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121
Tell me, has the increase in prices affected your eating/grocery shopping habits yet? And what is your "internal price gauge" item?
Wow prices almost double since they opened in less than 2 years
Increased prices haven’t really affected my eating and grocery shopping. Yet. I’m willing to pay more as long as the quality is good, but I have to say that Gyrogrill’s price increases are pretty steep. I haven’t been here yet, so I can’t guage the quality; I do remember being surprised at how low their prices were from your first post. My internal price gauge item is a banh mi from Cali Baguette; even though their fillings have seemingly shrunk, I like their bread.
Yes it has ST!
Man, I need to check out Cali Baguette Sandy; it’s been a while. Yes the price changes at GG have been kinda steep and quick.
We call this “the burrito index”
That is a good one E.W.! Awesome.
I sound like I’m a 100 years old about everything these days. “I remember when gas was $1/gallon.” “I remember when eggs were $2/dozen.” “I remember when lunch at K Sandwiches was $5 and some change.” “Is a Happy Meal 10 bucks yet?” In all seriousness, I think it will all depend on demand, and if that goes down, so too will prices, and we’ll see that correction that the Federal Reserve keeps talking about. Here’s hoping!
I hope so Joy. I think supply is a big part of the equation as well.
wow expensive.
Yes, inflation in action Kat!
We’re fortunate enough that we can sort of shrug off the price increases at our favorite spots but we do notice them (an order of kalbi at DJK is now $40). When we were in Hawaii last month I was surprised that a combo plate from Yummy was just north of $20 and malasadas were $1.50 (but it was worth it after so long!)
Yes, meat (and egg) prices are outrageous right now James! But over $20 for a plate from YK – BBQ!!!! That’s crazy! Glad you got to travel a bit though!