Michigan Restaurant Adds COVID-19 Fee to Orders to Reflect Rising Costs of Food, Packaging | Eater Detroit

"I report that owner Brad White of Goog’s Pub & Grub in Holland added a $1 flat “COVID charge” to all customer orders to account for rising carryout costs; he told Fox 17 that takeout orders cost roughly $0.82 more per meal because of the added costs of disposable containers, bags, and utensils, and that many restaurants can no longer rely on customers to purchase alcohol since bars are closed unless they have a Specially Designated Merchant (SDM) license for to‑go beer and wine. I note Goog’s is also dealing with rising food costs due to pandemic-related supply chain issues — for example, a case of burgers that might have cost about $50 in early March now costs more than $70 — and White said he added the fee to let customers know why prices were increasing." - Brenna Houck