Is is just me or has everything gotten significantly expensive? Even local restaurants?

Edit: Took out restaurants I specifically mentioned earlier. Didn’t feel comfortable “badmouthing” them. I did mention Abu Omar though for what they do good (IMO).

Couldn’t help but notice if, everything has gone up in price! From foods to housing (well it’s well known how housing is but I’m absolutely amazed how expensive FOOD has gotten).

Restaurants has exploded in pricing – like, $13 for Chicken Italian (Restaurants A)? Then there is Restaurant B charging $9.99 for a Cheese Burger (only burger too! no fries or drink). That’s insane. Maybe rent gone up or something? Or they’re paying higher minimum wage (hopefully). The local halal store was selling gyro slices in the box and it was really expensive as well, like $6+ oof. Groceries and household items in general have gotten very expensive – just went to Walmart the other day – got some soaps, floss and this one blueberry drink, $20. Granted the soaps lasts me 2 weeks and the floss lasts a month but wow.

Yet I see people spending and going out like no where before, where are y’all getting this money from? These price increases are crazy. I know these COL increases is a worldwide phenomenon but you’d think it wouldn’t be that bad – especially in Houston. Yes it’s well known that Houston is slowly becoming an unaffordable city though I didn’t know it will be that quick. Wages aren’t getting better and I know very well these prices won’t be going down.

Also what’s up with all the stores asking for tips for takeout? Maybe because I haven’t been eating out for a long time but I noticed if you go to the store and ask for a takeout order – they’ll ask you for a tip on on cash register? Since when is this a thing? I could have sworn this wasn’t a thing a few years ago – actually I know this wasn’t a thing before. This restaurant I went a few weeks ago – we were buying takeout and they asked for tip at the checkout process, I remember going to that restaurant when I was younger and there was no tip option, you just pay food prices and taxes.

So with Abu Omar Halal, one good thing is that the cashiers there automatically skips over the tip part at checkout, they don’t expect you to tip for take out. So in Abu Omar’s case I don’t mind the higher price if they are paying their workers well (not sure their pay but if they are not asking for tips then I’m just assuming they have good pay).

I only dislike is when they are charging crazy prices and their employees don’t get any benefits (and expect people to GoFundMe their employees health insurance). Obviously if it’s an issue for me, I’ll just not give them my business – which I’ve been doing exactly that. Heck, I’ve virtually stopped eating out cause of how expensive it is. Need to take some extra financial responsibility for myself – also don’t wanna be that guy who spends all his money eating out then complains cause he didn’t save for his college books.

So yea, anyways – if y’all have any recommendations of local companies or businesses that do good their employees (living wages and benefits), feel free to shoot a comment! I’d love to support, and don’t mind paying “extra”, those who are doing their employees right.