Emily VelascoMar 16

I keep seeing articles like this, about how people choosing to drink less is hurting bars and restaurants, and it's almost always framed as people, especially younger generations, don't like to drink.

They never seem to bring up the fact that a cocktail is like $20 now unless you go to a really divey dive bar. It's the same kind of reporting they on how no one goes to the movies anymore. It's always about changing habits, and never that movie tickets just cost a lot now.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/16/dining/us-alcohol-restaurants.html

Dinner and No Drinks: Restaurants Are Struggling as Americans Drink Less

Traditionally a reliable revenue stream for restaurants, alcoholic drinks are down markedly — and the bottom line is, too.

The New York Times
Show threadNeilMar 16
@MLE_online Some restaurants have started adding a “labor surcharge” to the check, often accompanied by a big explanation somewhere on the menu, which all comes across as a backhanded way to build animosity towards minimum wage hikes. Rent is also an escalating cost for restaurants but I’ve yet to see a one collect a landlord surcharge.
Show threadEmily VelascoMar 16
@gneilyo Right? Rent for business spaces is crazy high in a lot of cities now, but you never hear them making a stink about that in public
Show threadJake
@MLE_online @gneilyo I read that in Dallas rent includes some percentage of the restaurants take. That is completely insane to me. Like why should the rent increase because you're more successful? Restaurants should put that breakdown on the bill.
Mar 17 at 12:51amWeb
Show threadNeilMar 17
@Affekt @MLE_online That’s wild. And probably more prevalent than I realize