Affordable dining options, such as an 8-euro daily special or a three-course meal for under twenty euros, are increasingly rare as dining out has become 30% more expensive over the past five years. Despite this trend, some restaurants aim to keep prices low, even during holidays, but face growing pressures.
In Breda, Fred and Marloes van Weerd have served traditional Dutch meals for over 50 years, offering three courses for just 12.50 euros. “Where else can you find it?” Fred remarks.
Their business, Den Boerenstamppot, has thrived by purchasing wisely and doing much in-house, aided by a paid-off mortgage. Data from the Foodservice Institute (FSIN) shows a rise in the number of people who find dining out too costly.
The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reports a 27% rise in restaurant prices over five years, with fast food and takeout increasing by 38%, outpacing a general inflation rate of 23%. Inga Blokker of FSIN acknowledges the necessity of price increases for restaurant sustainability.
Even budget restaurants like Den Boerenstamppot have had to raise prices incrementally, starting from 5 guilders. In Groningen, Eeterie De Globe has offered an 8-euro daily meal for 25 years and plans an 18-euro Christmas buffet, but they too feel the pressure.
Julia Castro from De Globe discusses the need for cost-saving measures, such as sharing space and creative use of ingredients. Blokker warns that dining out might become reserved for the wealthy due to increasing costs and scarce labor.
She hopes prices won’t rise further but acknowledges the challenge for restaurant owners in providing affordable meals.
Source: NOS