What are the idiots at Luby's thinking?

Question

In this economic environment how can Luby's overhaul their pricing to the extent they charged me over $22 for a pork chop, salad, three vegetables, bread and tea -- for lunch! Sure, I was stupid for assuming they still had a fixed price, but even A la Carte, that is an absurd price for a cafeteria. 
Count me out forever.

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The slap in the face to me was when paying out and they were charging 30 cents for that little tiny nano-ounce of (Andes) chocolate mint. Small gold ingots they're not.

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I know Luby's has been really struggling financially but $22 is absurd!

I just hope they can still stay afloat because it's the only decent cafeteria left.

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Woofy.....stop going to chains! I rarely dine at a chain anymore and I very rarely pay over $22 for two people (sans the tea) for lunch. I have grown tired of substandard food and service at the chains. Also, as in your case, the meal ends up being more than what you would pay at dinner! If you would like some suggestions of lunch places let us know (also include what city you are in!!).

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When I first moved to Oak Cliff, Luby's was my second meal . My Houston raised husband was so excited, but as soon as they rang up the cash register, I was like, "oh no...we need to go check out Jefferson for some cheap eats." $22 is ridiculous. They need to seriously reevaluate their target diners.

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OMG!
You could have had the prix fixe lunch at Charlie Palmer for just a mere $4 more.
http://www.charliepalmer.com/Properties/CharliePalmerAtJoule/Menu/?MenuId=41

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That's why I love Furr's Cafeteria (Beltline & Preston)...quality is comparable to Luby's, maybe a little worse, but it's definitely cafeteria quality and it's all-you-can-eat! I've also recently discovered that they make a great cup of coffee!

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I have eaten at Luby's for 50 years and have to agree, There are many Luby staples that taste the same, but I rarely go as they have priced me out of their market. Fie on Pappa's!

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Don't they still offer the "LuAnn Special"? That was always a pretty good value.

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If you like Furr's and you're around the east side of Dallas, check out the Furr's Fresh Buffet. It's not bad!

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??? I find that hard to believe. I eat at Luby's often, by myself. My meals (without dessert) never exceed $10-12. And that includes full portions, ice tea and tax.

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I think they just reduced the price of the Luann platter. It's actually somewhat affordable now. Food was so bad last time I went though...

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I agree, it is one of the last cafeteria's that are still around, and although I've had a few bad experiences, overall I've always thought their food was pretty good, I used to eat there 2-3 times a week. I could usually get in and out pretty quick and spend about $7 for lunch.Notice the words "used to", because like most everyone else, it has just gotten too expensive. I understand the economy, and they are just doing what they can to stay afloat, but if it's too expensive for me to eat there, I ain't goin! To top it off, (and this is what killed it for me) they added "waitstaff", people who will annoy you every 2 minutes asking if you need more water, coffee, pepper sauce, etc... and expect you to tip them! I've never understood that! If I have to get my own food, I shouldn't be expected to tip someone JUST for refilling my glass. Same thing at Golden Corral. Oh well, I guess at least they are keeping people in a job, but I just can't afford the prices plus a tip, (lunch average is now like $10-11) I usually eat at home or bring my lunch.

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Driving in to FW, I saw a billboard advertising the LuAnne (meat, 2 vegetables and bread) for 4.99 (I think) or 5.99 (M-F) which is what I normally get anyway - I average going to Luby's 2 or 3 times a year and the one in Grapevine has always been pretty good, although the portions have shrunk. But I completely agree with dangitbawb about the "waitstaff". What a joke!

When I was young and doing school road trips, we'd often stop at cafeterias for meals. They always charged for pats of butter. With the prices that Luby's has charged in the past, I've been surprised that they didn't have some incremental charge added for butter, lemon wedges, etc. But so far, not.

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Oh my god. Don't get me started on Luby's. My childhood down home cafeteria happy place has been plundered and pillaged by Pappa's. WHY HATH THOU FORSAKEN ME LUBY'S??
Fried fish. Mashed potatoes. Fried okra. White roll. That's all I ask for. But the last time before the last time I went, they were out of fried okra and the mashed potatoes were cold and pasty. We gave it one last chance (despite the annoying 'waitstaff' who will bring you a straw and expect a tip??) and walked out. The manager wasn't the least bit surprised when we asked for our money back. It must be a regular occurrence. Bring back the pushcart ladies and I might go back again for the fried fish. At least they haven't sabotaged that completely. Yet...

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Yeah, I used ot pay $3.50 for a Luann too but times have changed. I still like Lubys and hope they make it. The one place I never get tired of.

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I couldn't resist that square fish patty, so I pulled into Luby's the other day and kept notes. The "lou ann" was $7.00; that's for half a piece of fish, two veggies and a roll. Cole slaw was 2.20, iced tea was 2.20; total lunch of $11.40. Food was fine, I don't think they are changing recipes or anything. But, it was certainly overpriced compared to the competition.I think this meal would be about $8.00 at Mama's Daughters Diner, and you would get a full order of meat, not the half order offered by Luby's. Where can Luby's go with this business model ? I thought ithe idea was for Pappas to stop the bleeding and get Luby's back on their feet. How can they prosper by contiuing to charge more than the competition for less food ?? I have been a customer for a long time, and I enjoy their food. But, I don't understand the goal of the Pappas family. Any bets on their chance of pulling this off ?

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Sounds like they are trying to bring back AK-47 night! :-)

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Okay. I will admit that when I am eating a vegetable plate for dinner I want large portions. I at least want my plate to look like large portions. And I don't want to pay more than $10 for it. My Luby's in River Oaks is very inconsistent. Serving sizes vary and the quality of the product does too. Who wants to pay $2 for cole slaw when it's all juice and very little cabbage? I bought their highly advertised Angus chopped steak. It haunted me like tasting charcol for two days. I rarely see a manager around the serving line at River Oaks. I don't understand why the portions at Pappa's Bar-B-Q along with the quality are consistent and usually good.

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Many years ago Pappa's also purchased Dot's Coffee Shop on I-45S at the loop, just next door to their bbq place. They have very good home cooked style food. Real fried potatoes, great burgers, sandwiches, plate lunches, pies, etc. The price is reasonable too. We eat at Kelley's about three times a month out of convenience but Dot's is much better food with just as large servings as Kelley's. 

The Luby's near me was closed yesterday. I wouldn't be surprised if they are out of business.

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Growing up in West TX, eating at Furr's Cafeteria after church was just almost an expected part of the Sunday ritual. I grew up in Lubbock and still have family there so still get to the one on 82nd St. now and again. I lived in Midland for a couple of years before moving here to the DFW area and had lots of good meals there too. In addition, I have had dozens of meals at the one in Hobbs. N.M. and the food was always good.

However, sadly, the ones I have tried here in the Dallas area just do not measure up. There is a one off of 635 in Garland that is called "Furr's Fresh Buffet" that I have not tried but keep meaning to do so. Hopefully it is better than the others I have tried around here.

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What are the idiots at Luby's thinking?

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