Blackpool restaurant says it’s balancing rising costs while keeping prices 'as reasonable as possible'
Owners of a Blackpool pizzeria have spoken about the realities of rising costs after a customer walked out over menu prices, saying it reflects wider pressure from the cost of living crisis.
Stefani's Pizzeria in Blackpool has said it was left reflecting on the pressures facing both customers and hospitality businesses after overhearing a potential diner remark that they were “not paying those prices” before walking out.
The team said the moment, which happened at the bar over the weekend, struck a chord as it highlighted the ongoing strain of the cost of living crisis and rising prices across the sector.
Staff at the restaurant said they are focused on building what they describe as a better Stefani’s, investing in quality ingredients imported for their pizzas and recent renovations that have expanded the dining space.
They also pointed to the significant overheads involved in running a restaurant, including rent, insurance, VAT and rising wage costs, all of which continue to increase pressure on hospitality venues.
Despite this, the business said it did not increase its prices this year, in an effort to remain as fair and accessible as possible while maintaining food quality and service standards.
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A spokesperson for Stefani’s Pizzeria said: “We overheard someone come to the bar, look at our menu and say “ I’m not paying those prices ” and walk off, which sat with us over the weekend because people don’t want to talk about how uncomfortable the cost of living is & the price of pizzas.
“We’ve tried to always focus on building a better Stefani’s , we try and market our quality ingredients which we import in, our newly renovated & larger restaurant, the costs involved in running a restaurant alone from rent, to insurances, to VAT to name just a few.
“We’re always trying to improve, we didn’t put our prices up this year despite the growing costs of wages and bills. We try to be as reasonable as we possibly can whilst still giving a brilliant service & quality of food in a nice restaurant.”
The pizzeria said it is always trying to strike a balance between affordability and sustainability in a challenging economic climate.
It ended by thanking customers who continue to support the restaurant in person and through social media, saying that every visit and recommendation makes a difference.