California diners cut back as costs soar; happy hour booms

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorCalifornia diners are cutting back as restaurant costs climb, and one San Diego restaurant group says happy hour has gone from roughly eight percent of its sales to nearly thirty.

2. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorNearly thirty percent! People aren't giving up on dinner, they're just finding the cheapest hour to have it. I call that resilience.

3. 

   Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorIt's the cheapest hour of the day, Vera. A whole region is eating its main meal at four-thirty with a discount appetizer.

4. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe owner's point is simple. Costs are up, diners are choosing carefully, and the discount hour is where they are choosing to show up.

5. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWell, restaurants adapt or they fold. Nachos at happy hour just means California's learned how to do more with less.

6. 

   Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorNachos at a quarter to five. Next it's breakfast at a quarter to four, and then we're all eating in the dark.

7. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorFour?

8. 

   Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorEarly bird specials, Hank. Every empire starts with a senior discount.

9. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo the whole state is a retirement community with better lighting.