Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Republic of Panda

Malls and the food courts that reside in them is one of those few constants in America that marks the homogenizing effects of capitalism to the cynical and a comforting sign post and equalizer for the optimistic.  The high end and low end ones tend to follow the same recipe, in the last year, however, things have changed at our local food court.

The "Texas BBQ Factory" now serves Chinese food (and only Chinese food, though the menu says "brisket").  As does "Bourbon Street Cajun Cafe."  And "Wok USA."  Moreover, they all have the same prices.  $5.89 for 4 'entrees,' $5.49 for 3, and so on.  Mother said she asked about it a few months ago.  The stalls said they agreed on the prices to make it easier to do business.  All three stalls, of course, have set their prices lower than that of Sakura, the old food court staple.  I don't really know where they're all going with this plan.  But I can't wait for something to happen.  My hope is for a giant price war (as Prof Papa will say, "Cheating in price fixing is like having an affair-- sooner or later, somebody finds out.").  For now though, almost everyone at the local food court is having Chinese take out.

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