"$60 for Half a Chicken" Restaurant Says "Unavoidable Due to Labor and Rent" as Chicken Price Debate Heats Up in US

Restaurant Says, "Unavoidable Considering Labor and Rent"
Experts: "Direct Comparison with Big-Box Retailers Is Difficult"

A restaurant in Brooklyn, New York, has sparked controversy by selling half a rotisserie chicken for $40 (approximately 59,000 won).

The New York Times (NYT) reported on May 2 (local time) that Ziggies, a new rotisserie specialty restaurant that recently opened in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, is offering a half-chicken menu item for $40. This dish is prepared by cleaning the chicken, roasting it in a rotisserie oven, finishing it with a torch, and serving it with potatoes and three types of sauces.

Once this fact became known, a debate ensued over whether the price was appropriate. New York City Council member Chi Ossé criticized the price on social media, stating, "How can half a chicken be $40?"

The core of the controversy centers on the price gap with large retail stores. For example, Costco sells a rotisserie chicken weighing about 1.4 kg for $4.99, which has been the same price since 2009.

Rotisserie chicken sold at J.J.'s. Photo by The New York Times

However, experts point out that such comparisons are simplistic. Rotisserie chickens at big-box retailers are so-called "loss leader" products, sold at a loss to attract customers, which is why the price is so low.

Ziggies has stated that its pricing is not excessive. Hugo Ibernat, the owner, explained, "We provide our employees with paid vacation and health insurance and pay about $9,000 in monthly rent. Our profit per chicken is only about $4," adding, "Given inflation, labor costs, and rent, it is unavoidable."

Looking at other restaurants that offer similar menu items, prices vary widely. "Ba Da Boom" in Brooklyn sells half a chicken for $32, and in response to this controversy, plans to hold an event allowing customers to set their own price. "Cleo Downtown" in West Village has also set its price at $32, while "Chez Pipi" on the Upper East Side offers half a chicken brushed with duck fat for $78.

On the other hand, some restaurants continue to offer more affordable options. "Inca Chicken," operating in Bushwick, Brooklyn since 1989, sells half a chicken with two side dishes for $14.50. The restaurant stated, "The price is set with working-class customers in mind," but also said, "If higher-quality ingredients are used, higher prices can be understandable."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.