An amazing story today that one size does not fit all. I’m not talking clothing, but food. Potbelly, the popular sandwich chain, has upended itself. I always wondered how they did those reasonable one-price sandwiches. I guess they wondered, too. Now the prices will go up a bit for some, and for the lighter fare with less bread, the price will come down. A little confusing, but all in the hopes of continuing to be a sandwich maker. The competition is pretty stiff out there with Subway packing ‘em in in some locations with the limited time $5 promotion that seems to be without an end.

Everyone is looking for a way to save some money or to keep customers. Sandwich shops are competing with family refrigerators as individuals believe they can make it cheaper at home and bring lunch to work. As long as they are disciplined grocery shoppers, that concept will probably work.

Taking it up a notch to a sit-down restaurant, times are just plain tough. Those who remained static and did not make adjustments are now faced with the severity of declining tabs. People want more for less. In some cases, that means a big CLOSED sign across the glass. Some have closed without warning and passerbyers only learn of the change when they see the auctioneer selling off the last set of chairs. This has become a more common image.

Only the well-priced, value places will thrive. There is hope in Washington that with the new Administration and the individual interest in restaurants that many dining establishments will get the coveted visit from the first family. As long as they don’t choose an early favorite, lots of restaurants can take advantage of the buzz. The flip side is that long nights working at the White House often translates into Domino’s.

The hearty will survive.