Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Gas, food, labor: You name it and you'll find inflation has hit wallets seemingly everywhere you turn.
It's no surprise then that restaurant owners are feeling the pinch firsthand, as dishing out high-quality food comes with a high price tag.
Blue Iguana in Salt Lake City is one of the restaurants that is feeling inflation.
German Beltran, Blue Iguana's general manager, said he's worked there for more than 10 years. He said while inflation makes it tough, he realizes consistency is key for customers who keep coming back.
"Sometimes it is very hard, because sometimes the meat, for example, you can get the meat in one day, like $2. The next day, it's $4 or $5," Beltran said.
He said the last thing he wants to do is raise menu prices.
So far, Blue Iguana hasn't had to, but with ongoing inflation, raising prices may be inevitable.
Blue Iguana's owner said the local vendors they use are raising prices at least 15% across the board.
In addition, they are having to pay staff $2 to $5 more an hour to keep up with competition.
"You don't do that, the people, they will start looking for another job," Beltran said.
He said they won't compromise on quality.
"They expect the best of the best," he added.
For the last couple of years, Salt Palace Convention Center has been closed due to the pandemic. This year, though, its doors will be back open.
Blue Iguana's owner said this is a good thing for their business, particularly with their location, because when the Salt Palace Convention Center is open, their business tends to boom.
