[grania]

I try to be a food nazi in my choices. Around here, the line at Chipolte is so long at lunch time it goes outside. They raised their prices some, but got even more nutritional adding a brown rice option and sticking to pure freshly prepared foods. Their meal is large enough for two people to share.

People shop for quality and value. Chipolte's advertising and product emphasize that. Another one with many healthy choices is Panera...another long line at busy times. Ever heard of DeBella's...fresh baked breads, good ingredients and preparation. Yep, crowded.

What's my point? Many people, as they have to think of where to cut back, will absorb a small price increase if there's value and quality.

[a fool in paradise]

Places like Chipotle often sell to “groups” (co-workers, weekend sports teams, college students, etc.). It’s also easy to “nudge” the pricing if their peers continue to go there for lunch (”What, you aren’t coming?”).