WYNANTSKILL, N.Y. — Local business isn’t letting food inflation stop it from serving up its popular American fare for a second season.
The eatery, located at 158 Main Ave. in Wynantskill, has officially opened for 2022.
Owner Albert Deeb was all smiles on Wednesday as he welcomed customers back to his establishment, but getting prepared for this upcoming season wasn’t as easy as he’d hoped.
According to January 2022 forecasts published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, beef prices are predicted to increase between 3 and 4 percent, and fish and seafood prices are predicted to increase between 2 and 3 percent. Meanwhile, wholesale dairy prices are predicted to increase between 4 and 7 percent this year.
For a food business that specializes in fish fry, burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream, increases like this pose a challenge.
“It’s been a little rough trying to find certain items,” Deeb said, adding that even onions are more expensive than they used to be.
The price of the paper goods Little Big Fatz uses is “through the roof” as well, he said.
“This inflation is out of hand. Everything is up,” Deeb continued. “It’s going to be a challenge because every year your profit margins are shrinking.”
Even so, Deeb aims to keep the Little Big Fatz menu prices at a reasonable rate. “You only can raise your prices so much. You try to stay fair,” he said. “But also I think people do understand it’s a tough time we’re living in right now.”
Operating a food business in 2022 isn’t easy, Deeb said. “It’s a battle. It really is.”
Nevertheless, Little Big Fatz is grilling, frying, and scooping up its customer favorites once again.
Even though times are tough, Deeb – who has been in the food industry his whole life – wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I love it, and I keep doing it,” explained Deeb, who said he is looking forward to seeing all of his regulars and “getting back in action.”
For many years, Deeb managed the nearby Jack’s Drive In, another popular seasonal eatery run by the Deeb family. Jack’s will reopen next month, marking its 84th year in business.
Now in its second season, Little Big Fatz is celebrating its return by giving away an Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headset. As a way to thank customers for coming back, anyone who makes a purchase during the first two weeks of the season will receive a free raffle entry. To qualify, patrons must like and follow the business on Facebook.
Little Big Fatz is also debuting some new menu items for 2022 including a few versions of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, as well as sweet potato fries.
While inflation is affecting the entire industry, not just Little Big Fatz, Deeb feels fortunate that he’s not struggling to find employees like many businesses have been as of late. He said, “I’ve got a good group of people from last year that came back to work.”
Now open for the season, the hours of operation at Little Big Fatz are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, through the fall.
The Little Big Fatz food truck is also available for parties and events.
Looking ahead, Deeb is actively seeking to open a second Little Big Fatz location in Saratoga County.
More information about Little Big Fatz can be found at www.littlebigfatz.com, where online ordering for pick up will be available soon.
The business can be contacted by calling (518) 629-9555.
Melissa Schuman - MediaNews Group
Little Big Fatz owner Albert Deeb serves a customer. (Melissa Schuman – MediaNews Group/ File photo)
Melissa Schuman - MediaNews Group
Little Big Fatz is located at 158 Main Ave. in Wynantskill. (Melissa Schuman – MediaNews Group/ File photo)February 25, 2022 at 01:07AM
https://www.troyrecord.com/2022/02/24/little-big-fatz-opens-for-second-season-in-wynantskill/
Little Big Fatz opens for second season in Wynantskill - Troy Record
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