Even During Tough Times, You Gotta Eat, And Many Gotta Drink

Augusta, GA—Most of us are looking to stretch our dollars these days, to get the most bang for the buck. Drew Pye, Director of Operations for Augusta Burgers Express, runs several local Checker’s. He says the food industry is faring better than a lot of others right now. Think car dealerships.

“You always have to eat. That’s one of our slogans. But you do, you always have to eat no matter what,“ says Pye.
In this slow economy, Pye says his fast-food restaurants are actually gaining customers who are cutting back. “We’ve priced our items to where it’s still affordable for them. We’re not like a sit-down restaurant where we’re having to raise prices, stuff like that.“

That’s not to say skyrocketing food and gas prices aren’t hurting. Sales are up, but Pye says profits are harder to come by. Other small business owners can drink to that. Some customers are changing their habits at J & L Wine & Spirits in. Forget pricey brews, Natural Light is now a top-seller. 

John Vaiden owns the Columbia County store and says he’s adjusted his inventory to adapt. “Until recently, I’ve never had anyone walk in and ask, ‘What do you have that’s like Crown Royal but less expensive?‘ Or, ‘What do you have that’s like Absolut vodka, but less expensive?‘. That or people are buying smaller sizes,“ says Vaiden.

As people look down from the top shelf, Vaiden says familiar faces in this established neighborhood store make all the difference. “You’ve got to have loyal customers. That’s what business is all about, having repeat customers. And whether people are buying a lot or a little, every customer counts and you need that repeat business.“