Concessions have always been expensive, and I grew up in a family where that part of the experience just wasn't done for that reason. We went to see the movie and that's what we did. Every once in a while we'd stop at a convenience store on the way for candy to smuggle, but basically I grew up not feeling munchies is a requirement. So I always chuckle a little when people say they don't go to theaters because of expensive food. You don't have to buy food to see the movie!!
Okay, I'm clearly in the minority here.
Are theater consessions expensive? Hell yes! The prices are down right obscene, especially if you know what it costs them to produce! Literally pennies on the dollar!
...and I will pay their prices all day long, and I never complain when there is a price hike. Whenever the family and I go out, I splurge. Large popcorn? Check! Large soda? Get two! Nachos? Why not? Hot dogs? Of course? Are you guys sure you dont want anything else?
All in for the three of us, about a hundred bucks. Glad to do it.
Let me explain.
First, we only do this about once a month. We just chalk it up as a "fine dining experience" (at least thats how it makes it into our budget!)
It really does complete the entire experience for us. Hell, it often makes a bad movie seem not so bad!
But consider this: Theaters make VERY little money from the films. Without the consessions they wouldn't be able to keep their doors open. I know this right from the get-go, and personally, I LIKE going to the movies. I don't want the experience to go away. But that is what would happen if everyone stopped buying consessions. Now I'm certainly not wealthy by anyone's standards, but going to see a film at the theater with the family is a monthly experience for us. Keep in mind, I fault no one for not wanting to pay those prices. They charge $12-$15.00 for a large bucket of popcorn alone, and know their cost isn't even a dollar (that includes the damn bucket!) really stings. Personally, I budget for the event and suck it up and enjoy the ride!
Now it's not entirely the loaves and the fishes. They actually found a way to make an insane amount of money because of Covid. Look it up. The numbers dont lie. The reason is simple. Remember the incentive to get a large soda and a large popcorn? FREE REFILLS! No more...ANYWHERE! They are using Covid as an excuse to no longer give free refills, thus saving a buttload of cash. After all, what employee wants to touch your greasy slathered, Covid ridden bucket and cup, refill them and give them back?! It's a perfectly valid point, so they have a built in excuse to save a TON of money. You want to complain about it as I have? Go ahead. This is how it will go, word for word (I know this as I have had this exact same conversation many, many times with management):
"Why are there no more free refills?!"
"Hey, Mr. Customer. We're doing this to keep YOU safe."
"But...I'm paying the same price that I did two years ago...and I least I could justify it by getting free refills. You could a least reduce the price."
"Oh, so sorry Mr. Consumer, but we can't due to low headcount because of Covid and we have to make up the difference."
"Cant you just give me a new bucket?"
"Yeah, no, you see that's the biggest cost, then we would just be bleeding money. It would actually cost MORE than it did before."
"So...you're getting rich, and I'm getting screwed because of the pandemic?"
"You're missing your movie."