October 19, 2008

Gray’s Papaya recession special rising to $4.45

Unlike some politicians and economists, one new York City fast-food purveyor has never been afraid to use the “r” word. But now that their time has really come, Gray’s has some news that’s practically depressing.

Gray’s Papaya “recession special” of two hot dogs and a drink will soon rise to $4.45 from $3.50, according to the New York Times.

The deal was priced at $1.95 through most of the ’90s, the Times reports, but it rose to $2.45 in 2002, then $2.75, and finally to $3.50 in 2006. In 2006, signs in the window read: “Bummer!! We fight the good fight but our costs keep going up and we will soon be forced to raise our prices. Please don’t hate us!”

See Wikipedia for a list of Gray’s Papaya references in movies, music, TV and books, including “The Warriors,” William Gibson’s “Spook Country” and “Sex and the City.”

Picture credit: 2006 pre-recession Recession Special sign. Amy Langfield/NewYorkology

October 19, 2008 10:58 AM in Cheap Stuff, Foodology, Upper West Side

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