### Inflation Hits Tijuana’s Restaurant Sector: “It Has Been Very Difficult for Us to Stay Afloat”
Tijuana, Mexico – The restaurant industry in Tijuana has been struggling significantly due to inflation. According to Zaida López, President of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (Canirac Tijuana), the sector has had no choice but to hike prices by up to 15% this year.
The increase in worker salaries, combined with the rising costs of food products, has put immense pressure on restaurant owners. López emphasized that these constant price hikes are unsustainable for the industry. “We can’t maintain our old prices because the cost of ingredients like onions and imported potatoes has gone up. Many of the products we buy are from the USA or other places, and we can’t compromise on quality,” she explained.
López is not opposed to salary increases; however, she pointed out that these have contributed to inflation and have had to be passed on to consumers. “Most people think the restaurant business is lucrative, but in recent times, it has been extremely difficult for us to stay afloat,” she remarked.
To mitigate the impact of rising costs, some members of the restaurant industry have taken measures such as removing certain dishes from their menus or adjusting their prices based on volume. “It’s not about sacrificing quality because if you do, you lose customers, which leads to economic decline and potentially closing your business or reducing staff,” López noted.
### Additional Information
#### Rising Prices of Key Ingredients
The inflation impacting Tijuana’s restaurant sector mirrors a broader trend in Mexico. For instance, the prices of essential ingredients like lemons and avocados have exceeded 100 pesos per kilo. Such increases in fundamental food items create a ripple effect, forcing restaurants to adjust prices or modify their offerings.
#### Economic Outlook
Experts suggest that a minor economic improvement might be seen by March, impacting both Mexico and the USA. However, this potential uptick may not immediately ease the pressures facing Tijuana’s restaurant industry.
#### Related Developments
1. **Violence and Migration:** Increased violence in the state of Sinaloa may result in higher migration rates to Baja California, including Tijuana. This could potentially impact local economic conditions and demand for restaurant services.
2. **Infrastructure and Safety Concerns:** Local authorities emphasize the need to review the functionality of hydrants in Tijuana. Inadequate safety measures in public works, such as the Playas de Tijuana Boardwalk project, have also been highlighted.
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This revised article reflects the challenges faced by the restaurant sector in Tijuana due to inflation. It also integrates additional relevant information to provide a comprehensive overview of the current situation.