Adelaide pub defends chicken parmigiana price amid backlash
- Simone Douglas, owner of the Duke of Brunswick Hotel, faced criticism for the high price of chicken parmigiana.
- She explained that after costs, her profit is only $2 per meal, with operational expenses rising significantly.
- Douglas called for customer understanding as family-run pubs struggle to survive amid a challenging economic environment.
Simone Douglas, the owner of the Duke of Brunswick Hotel in Adelaide, faced backlash for charging $33 for a chicken parmigiana. In response to customer complaints, she detailed the costs involved in preparing the dish, revealing that her profit margin is only $2 per meal after accounting for ingredients, wages, and operational expenses. Douglas highlighted that her business has seen a 40% increase in running costs over the past five years, making it challenging for family-run establishments like hers to remain profitable. She expressed frustration over negative reviews focused solely on pricing, emphasizing that many pubs do not benefit from gaming facilities and are struggling to survive amid a cost of living crisis. The hospitality industry is facing significant challenges, with many businesses collapsing and rising costs affecting menu prices, including coffee. Douglas urged customers to show understanding and kindness towards local pubs and restaurants during these tough times.