"Paul M. Cook" wrote:

>
> >>
> > I figure that it costs me less than $1 for the ingredients to make a batch
> > of
> > pancakes that will feed four people, and that is using real ingredients.
> > My
> > scratch pancakes are a hell of a lot better than anything I have ever had
> > in a
> > restaurant. Then there is the cost of the syrup. I use real maple syrup,
> > not
> > that grotesque sugar slop they give you in restaurants.
>
> Buttermilk is not exactly cheap these days.

I didn't say buttermilk pancakes, though I could add a spoonful of vinegar to
whole milk for the same effect. Eggs are $2.50 per dozen here..... so less
than than 30 cents. Flour is cheap, and the amount of baking powder or soda,
salt and sugar is a penny or two. Add c cup of milk and a bit of oil or melted
butter.... under $1 per batch.


> So 4.99 is quite a bargain - what is commonly called a "loss leader" in the
> business world. They figure somebody comes in for the special and the
> people they are with order something other than the pancakes.

My experience with restaurant pancakes and their crappy syrup is that most
people could not eat more than 3 regular sized pancakes. They will get you on
the sides and coffee.