Friday, February 20, 2009

Recession

Tonight I went to sushi with a girl friend. It was a great place that we used to go to quite often (about once every two weeks or so). Due to scheduling conflicts, and the economy, we haven't been in a couple of months.

I remember that WHENEVER we went, be it lunch or dinner, the sushi bar was always packed. I got there at 5:35pm and the place was EMPTY! I was the first person to sit at the sushi bar.

By 6:30, the place was more than 1/2 full, but many tables and sushi bar places were taken by families with kids (kids definitely don't eat as much, and as high priced, sushi as adults do).

According to the sushi chef their business is 30% down since September. And they're one of the lucky ones. A number of their competitors have closed their doors.

Even between my friend and I, we ate less than we have in the past. Personally, I was very happy with the lower bill. At the same time, I felt kind of guilty so gave a little bigger of a tip.

7 comments:

LL said...

I've seen the same thing happening. It's a very visible symptom of a growing problem impacting us all. Last year, the house next to mine sold for over a million dollars. It's been in foreclosure. Yesterday I found out the bank is short-selling it for $290K.

I am Harriet said...

Hi there.
Just stopping by to say hello.
Have a great day!

Lucy said...

I do believe we are in for a long haul.

Mommy In Pink said...

It's happening everywhere! In our city, business are closing their doors left and right. It seems like every week some company is having some massive sale.everything must go! Restaurants aren't as busy, and people are hanging on to their money..THIS SUCKS!

Opus #6 said...

Yes, I also worry about my favorite establishments.

Sass said...

What I really hate is that the chain restaurants will just keep going but the little local places with real character will end up having to close.

It makes me so sad, but at the same time, I've also had to cut back because of the economy.

Argh.

bernthis said...

there are so many "for lease" and "for rent " signs around her I'm waiting to walk outside and see a tumbleweed or two go by.