…..Since the Pandemic, many small businesses have been struggling to stay afloat against competitors, particularly chains and franchises. Inflation since the Pandemic has hurt small businesses by driving up the price of supplies, which has most noticeably affected restaurants. 

…..Many students go out to lunch at either the Wolfs Lane Deli or Villagios and have been dismayed to notice a considerable increase in prices. For students at PMHS, this is disappointing to see. However, the increase in prices isn’t just a move to take advantage of the influx of students; it is simply to compensate for recent increases in the price of key ingredients. 

…..Inflation affects local businesses much more than larger scale businesses such as chains due to a longer supply chain and subsequent higher prices of supplies. This disadvantage is shown in the Wolfs Lane Deli, where prices are much higher than its fast food counterparts. This is because since the Covid-19 Pandemic, the price of supplies, particularly food items, has increased tremendously. Andre Dahdal, co-owner of Wolfs Lane Deli, tells us, “The price of eggs now is over three times as much as it was before the pandemic.” At some stores eggs are nearly sold out. This extreme increase in prices has occurred all across the board, sending costs skyrocketing. The costs of key ingredients such as chicken and other meats have doubled and even tripled as well. It is for this reason that prices at our favorite local restaurants seem to have risen so much. All of these businesses are compensating for higher prices, which directly affects us as consumers. Places such as the Wolfs Lane Deli make sure to purchase quality ingredients, which cost more. This means that certain locations that buy lower quality ingredients are less likely to up their prices and may be a sign to customers, which locations are buying better ingredients. 

…..As a result of the high prices, businesses are still struggling to turn a profit. The Wolfs Lane Deli is making a fraction of the money it was before the pandemic. The two owners, Nick Campoli and Andre Dahdal supplement the income from the deli with plumbing. Andre tells us that he is even sacrificing profitability to remain competitive and continue to cater to students from the school. 

…..This tale of inflation hurting small businesses is occurring all across America. Small businesses are struggling to stay afloat as they compete with larger scale businesses that can undercut their prices.