[SteveM85]

Originally Posted by Reilly1017

Here is one of the biggest challenges not being talked about enough - consumer buying habits are changing. I’ve noticed it myself as well.

Pre-covid ... we would eat out regularly and 1-2 times a weekend (FRI-SUN). With drinks, tip, tax, maybe an appetizer, etc you spend $X. However, after 5 months of not eating out at all I realized how expensive it is to go out. Keep in mind, I can afford it, but all of a sudden having a $70, $80 total bill for 75 minutes of experience (or whatever the numbers are for you) relative to the lesser cost to just get the two entrees to go with tip, the take out option seems much more reasonable. Keep in mind, I’m talking about the difference between say going out and eating a knife/fork meal versus take out something like Max Burger (where you are spending $15 a person take out). Even worse, when comparing to spending the $80 on groceries.

There’s still a place to eat out and I enjoy it and will do it, but people’s spending habits have shifted. When you stop the pattern of spending and then go back to a $100 charge that isn’t filling your fridge with food, it makes you realize and think. Combine that with most people still have an uncomfortable feeling eating inside, being sketched out and spending the money? Not ideal.

You're right. Early on it was a boon to wallets everywhere.
Since summer, my observations though have been the opposite. Around here folks were back out with a vengeance throwing money around like it was on fire. It was Summer Staycation 2020 in the Stub. Beaches, restaurants, ice cream shops packed like never before. I95 rush hour like traffic jams in harbor channels for boats. Home Depots and groceries jammed like nothing ever happened. Crazy.

[hvexpatinct]

Originally Posted by SteveM85

You're right. Early on it was a boon to wallets everywhere.
Since summer, my observations though have been the opposite. Around here folks were back out with a vengeance throwing money around like it was on fire. It was Summer Staycation 2020 in the Stub. Beaches, restaurants, ice cream shops packed like never before. I95 rush hour like traffic jams in harbor channels for boats. Home Depots and groceries jammed like nothing ever happened. Crazy.

Same here in the NW corner. And it continues into apple picking, leaf peeping season. Record crowds at the farms and orchards.

I have been going out to dinner less, but it's more related to lack of childcare than anything else - easier to order out than to drag littles along for outdoor dining. Most of my friends feel the same way.

[JayCT]

The Governor has prepared a plan to address the projected budget deficit. The Republicans are questioning it. Nothing new. Jay

https://westfaironline.com/128940/128940/

[ConnecticutSir]

Originally Posted by JayCT

The Governor has prepared a plan to address the projected budget deficit. The Republicans are questioning it. Nothing new. Jay

https://westfaironline.com/128940/128940/

Uh oh. Someone dared to question Lamont. Can't have that.

[Minethatbird]

Originally Posted by ObedientSir

Uh oh. Someone dared to question Lamont. Can't have that.

I guess not. No one may quesion Ned-of-the-one-note Lamont.

Seems like Mr Fasano feels Ned isn't doing a complete response to the shortfall.

[BobNJ1960]

Originally Posted by ObedientSir

Uh oh. Someone dared to question Lamont. Can't have that.

Now you understand.

[Henry10]

Originally Posted by BobNJ1960

Very true, Reilly1017. I still eat out more than many, but far less than pre covid, and I feel safe eating both inside and outside at restaurants.

It is not strictly a cost issue, but a higher level of liking to eat at home.

What you are talking about , eating out, is a want, not a need, and I expect the reduction in business for things we used to want will remain at depressed levels, long after covid, due to people's perceptions of its values changing.

I know many family members and friends, in many states, behaving the same way.

There will NOT be a reset , at any point, to the pre covid economy IMO.

Long term trends are quite clear. Short term, CV may be suppressing these trends but as people have said people are going out again with a “vengeance.”

Downtown Stamford was packed Saturday night. “Eating” is only a small part of the “dining out” experience. Socialization, camaraderie, “foodie” experience, etc — Looking from a long-term perspective — these are not slowing down any time soon. On the contrary. Sometimes its even irrespective of the economy.

[BobNJ1960]

SHU backing out of UB deal. Not good for UB.

https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/...hp?src=ctphpcp

[Stepfordct]

Originally Posted by BobNJ1960

SHU backing out of UB deal. Not good for UB.

https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/...hp?src=ctphpcp

No surprise post CV.

[SteveM85]

Originally Posted by Henry10

Long term trends are quite clear. Short term, CV may be suppressing these trends but as people have said people are going out again with a “vengeance.”

Downtown Stamford was packed Saturday night. “Eating” is only a small part of the “dining out” experience. Socialization, camaraderie, “foodie” experience, etc — Looking from a long-term perspective — these are not slowing down any time soon. On the contrary. Sometimes its even irrespective of the economy.

You might as well call the Stamford area Miami at this point at the amount of people out partying, young and old. There's a lot of money there and they aren't shy about spending it. Nobody cares.