Some days I walk directly from my apartment to the bus stop. Others, I swing through downtown Seattle to pick up my paycheck or do some shopping before hopping the bus to work. Days when I do that, it’s not uncommon for me to stop by the McDonald’s in the Westlake Center food court and grab some food (or at least the close approximation of food that McDonald’s serves). Double Quarter Pounder with cheese and a small Mr. Pibb — \$4.80. Not a bad under five dollar lunch.
Until today, when the price came to \$5.12. At first I thought the guy at the register had goofed up my order, but nope. A manager came over and said that over the weekend, they’d raised the price of their small drinks. Okay, prices fluctuate from time to time, usually upwards, but a 32 cent jump for a 12oz (if that) soda? Yikes!
Bummer. I liked being able to spend less than \$5 to feed myself on the way to work. Now I’m either going to have to remember to keep change in my pocket, resign myself to paying a bit more, or see what other options I might have for quick, cheap, edible, and portable munchies (many of the other food stands in the mall are equally quick and cheap and more edible, but not as easy to munch “on the go”).
You realize of course, that the highest profit margin items in any fast food place are the sodas. A penny or two worth of syrup, a paper cup and, nowadays around here, you fill it so no labor costs.
So, they just probably added 50% to their profit.
Wait a minute… McDonald’s in Seattle serve Mr. Pibb?? We get Dr. Pepper.
The propritor is correct. The cup cost .05 and is double the cost of the soda.
And for those that think I’m kidding I’ll remind you I ran restaurants for over 25 years.
I know exactly to the penny what soda cost.
And I’m sure a big Corp like Mc D’s gets a better deal than I ever did.