Rising inflation affecting Calgary’s restaurant industry: StatCan

Many Calgarians love dining out, but prices are changing habits at the table.

New data from Statistics Canada data shows restaurant food prices climbed 8.5 per cent year-over-year in December — the largest contributor to inflation last month.

This has change the way some in Calgary dine out.

“Maybe a little more in December but I usually find myself eating at home a lot more than going out,” said one man.

“The price has gone up, quite significantly on all food items and so we have learned to just have more fun cooking at home,” added another.

For restaurants, it’s a double-whammy — seeing fewer customers walk through the doors, paired with higher costs in the kitchen, all while trying hard not to let it trickle down to customers.

“Just trying to maintain your integrity as a business. I mean we’ve been in business for over 11 years and I think it’s really important for our customer base that we don’t compromise in the face of adversity… and we have to provide top staffing, top food, top wine and liquor,” explained Noah Siddon, the general manager of Barcelona Tavern. “I think that’s one thing we have in our back pocket, especially with inflation and everything.”