Dartmouth students hoping to satisfy late-night cravings with an order from Everything But Anchovies will have to reach deeper into their wallets after the establishment upped its prices on May 2. EBAs, in its 27th year of operation, raised prices for all its menu items due to increased costs in plastics and oil.
EBAs President Maureen Bogosian, who runs the business with her brother Jimbo Dowd, said the decision was only made after weighing increased revenue versus the cost of printing new menus.
"You really need to weigh if it warrants the cost of making new menus," said Bogosian.
The increased expense of purchasing items necessary for delivery, such as plastic delivery boxes, ultimately led the owners to raise their prices. Bogosian, however, would not comment on the specifics of the price hike, nor would she commment on whether the price of gasoline for their deliverers had an impact on the decision.
The company's delivery orders constitute 40 to 60 percent of their business at a given time, according to Bogosian.
Much of EBAs' popularity with students results from its hours of operation. Delivery orders can be placed until 2:10 a.m. everyday, making it a convenient option for students returning home from a night of partying or a long night at the library.
Jeffrey Cooperman '06 recently noticed the increase in prices after ordering an appetizer and a chicken sandwich from EBAs last Saturday night.
"It was 20 bucks with tip, and I could go to the Canoe Club and have a sit down meal for 20 bucks," he said.
Still, Cooperman agreed that sometimes he has no choice but to order from the local restaurant.
"Unless it's two o'clock in the morning, and I've played five games of pong, I would not order from EBAs," he said.
While EBAs monopolizes the late-night Hanover delivery business, some Dartmouth students prefer placing orders earlier with other restaurants.
Ian Stebinger '06 instead orders his food from C&A's Restaurant, another local pizzeria.
"It's all about the taste, and they're faster because not many people know about them," said Stebinger.
A large cheese pizza from EBAs costs $10.99, whereas C&A's charges $8.95. Spaghetti and meatballs from EBAs costs $8.99; C&A's sells the same item for $5.95. Dartmouth students pay $6.99 for an EBAs hamburger but but only 5.50 for a C&A's burger.
Although EBAs is more expensive than C&A'S, Ramunto's Brick & Brew Pizzeria is generally more expensive than comparable restaurants in the area. A large cheese pizza at Ramunto's costs $11.83. Still, some Dartmouth students don't mind or notice the price differentials.
Even after the price hike, EBAs' business will likely remain strong due to the loyalty of its customers.
"I'm sure EBAs won't be hurt by raising their prices," Stebinger said.
