Gebhart, IV: Aspen gets greasy pricing burgers
Aspen city government needs to get out of the business of doing business that should be none of their business.
Rather than babble on about things I know nothing about, such as the agreement with Aspen Public House, allow me to babble on about something I do know. Just because the government insists that the restaurant be “locals friendly” doesn’t mean the locals will go. Stop demanding a percentage of sales, and simply lease the restaurant space using the same principles used with renting a house. Conceive a fair price, do a background check, and get signatures securing your asset.
It amazes me that the city gets involved with the price point of menu items and hours of operation of an industry they weren’t elected to participate in. It would be one thing if Mayor Torre was spotted bussing tables and panicking when the restaurant bills are due. If the restaurant that leases the space does not capture the locals’ business, believe me, another restaurant will.
The political posturing that Aspen government officials are the champions behind a $10 burger is what Biden would refer to as “malarkey.” I have no problem with the local government owning assets. Own your assets, cut the grass, plant flowers, pave the roads, support the library, advertise Aspen, fund the police — but for the sake of good common sense, stop pretending you know how to price a burger.
Chandler H. Gebhart, IV
Aspen
