Let the gouging commence…

You may have noticed it at the supermarket, the last time you went out to dinner, or even at your last fast-food indulgence (mine was Taco Bell), food prices are going up. A lot.

Lack of labor, supply chain issues, costs of ingredients; everywhere we look, our prices are increasing. Our industry has razor-thin margins (seriously, tiny) and to say this hurts is an understatement. It's do or die.

This last week I've heard from our meat supplier, our coffee vendor, hell even Michelle's Granola, that they are increasing prices anywhere from 8 to 20 percent.

Unfortunately, I will be forced to do the same. We are increasing our prices by 10 percent on all menu items and beverages. This is on par with our industry - even major fast-food chains. Taco Bell has raised its prices by 10 percent and McDonald's by 8 percent, and I assure you our organic vegetables, free-range eggs, sustainable meats, and high-quality grains cost far more than their commodity items.

White knuckling through January…

After a week of skyrocketing Covid cases, our smallest dining room, Stomping Ground, will close for indoor dining. When we reopen on January 9, we will require proof of vaccination for any guest over the age of 12. We will ask guests aged 12 and older receive at least one dose of the Covid vaccine by January 10. A physical CDC vaccination card, digital copy/photo, or other verification apps (such as VaxYes or CLEAR) may all be accepted. There will be no test-out option at this time. All of our staff, both front and back of house, are fully vaccinated, and many are already boosted. We let them make this decision, and this is what they are most comfortable with.

We thank you in advance for respecting this choice. Please feel free to sit out in our Alley or take your food to go!

In not-so-bad news…

You all have been so supportive of our newest venture, Mae's Market and Cafe. If you haven't tried Tallulah's dinners to go, I cannot recommend them enough (especially now.) If you need a last-minute bottle of bubbly for tonight, we are featuring an ever-growing selection of beer and wine. Keep your eyes peeled for the wine bar, Virginia's Darling, to open in 2022. Exciting and happy news from the Old Town front.