DC Restaurants Are Hurting Because People Are Brown Bagging It

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by Lamar Tyler | on August 6th, 2008 | 6 comments

I was reading an article about restaurants in DC feeling the economy crunch because more people are dragging lunch into work instead of living the high life and eating at shops and restaurants for their mid day meals.

According to a new study, workers are packing their lunches more often than ever before, and saving cash is their main incentive. But homemade meals are taking a toll on restaurants around the D.C. area.

Obviously, carrying a bag lunch is a lot less chic than eating in a restaurant. But the price of power lunching may be tough to swallow in today’s tight economic times. Even Ellen Gray, the co-owner of Equinox Restaurant, says she has noticed some regulars are frequently absent.

“We can count on seeing them everyday. Those people are now coming in only two or three times and brown bagging it at their desk,” said Gray.

I personally had to cut it back after we had the last kid (daycare is a killer). What’s up with you?

Are you brown bagging it because of the economy, high gas prices etc… or still fine dining?

About the author

Lamar and Ronnie Tyler are the creators of the award-winning blog BlackandMarriedWithKids.com . They also are behind the Amazon.com bestselling DVDs Happily Ever After: A Positive Image of Black Marriage, You Saved Me and Men Ain’t Boys that explores manhood in the African American community. The Tylers are also the proud parents of four children.

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Comments (6)

RuthDFW Wednesday - 06 / 08 / 2008 Reply

Same thing in Dallas. The other extra benefit is that you regain nearly 1/2 hour back into your lunch hour to read, talk or just relax rather than rushing to and from lunch. RuthDFWs last blog post..Obama is right - keep your apology - give us quality schools & small biz opportunities
elle denise Wednesday - 06 / 08 / 2008 Reply

I've always been a fan of "brown bagging it" (I guess b/c I haven't worked in downtown DC for 5 years, so I don't have much choice). Although I buy mostly store-brand items, I'm still spending WAY more. The price of EVERYTHING has gone up. $100 doesn't fill a cart anymore... what you save in 1 area, you're spending in another. It just sucks all the way around... *sighs*
kim h20s Wednesday - 06 / 08 / 2008 Reply

we used to brown-bag it with leftover food from dinners out, but now we're eating at home a lot more. my man and i made a new years commitment to eating better and saving money by eating more at home. Two people eating out in this area can easily run $50 with no drinks and a shared dessert. Multiply that by the 2-3 times a WEEK we were eating out and our waist lines were growing and our wallets were shrinking. we decided to start cooking at home, invested in a nice bbq grill and have not looked back ever since.
Super Dave Van Buren Wednesday - 06 / 08 / 2008 Reply

I paid 2.08 for a bottle of juice this morning. Prices in downtown DC are crazy. I can't afford to buy lunch around here anymore so I started brown bagging it about 8 months ago. Super Dave Van Burens last blog post..Bring it Back Tuesdays pt 2
Pigskinlovinglady Wednesday - 06 / 08 / 2008 Reply

I worked in downtown DC for 2 years. After 6 months of buying lunch or breakfast, I got smart and started bringing in both! I would give myself a treat, once a week to "eat out." Food, coupled with metro prices...CRAZY!! Pigskinlovingladys last blog post..Kim and Reggie says, "Hi Haters"
key-2-life Wednesday - 06 / 08 / 2008 Reply

I'm agreeing with you! I commute everyday and finally realized I just couldn't go out to eat everyday for lunch. So yes, I'm bringing my lunch at least four out of five days!