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                        JeffNEWS, August 16, 1994
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Rising Wholesale Food Costs Force Atrium to Raise Prices
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After more than a year-long freefall, mortgage rates are joining the 
relentless upward climb other consumer goods and services have taken. In 
the last five years consumers have felt the squeeze most prominently in the 
food arena, as supermarkets, restaurants and other food industries pass 
their increased costs on to consumers by raising prices. 

Yet, despite the escalating cost of doing business, the Atrium, unlike 
other eating establishments, has not had a price increase on most food 
items since 1989, says Kathryn E. Goldberg, director of nutrition and 
dietetics. Nor has the Atrium skimped on variety, quality or service to 
keep prices down. 

"In fact, in response to employees' suggestions, the Atrium has added 
new menu items and programs to better serve employees and visitors," says 
Ms. Goldberg. "When you consider the convenient hours, generous portion 
sizes and variety, a meal at the Atrium is one of the best bargains in the 
area."

However, for the first time in five years, the Atrium must raise the 
price on some food items beginning Monday, August 22, 1994. The increases 
are necessary to help offset growing operating expenses and food costs. 

Portion sizes will remain the same, and not every item is affected by 
this increase, nor are the increases across the board. Some purchases will 
cost employees only a few cents more. Prices for hot lunch and dinner 
entrees from the steamtable, weighed items from the salad bar, frozen 
yogurt, pizza, candy, bottled beverages, homemade baked goods, Cafe Gourmet 
beverages and specialty desserts will remain the same. However, employees 
will notice higher prices for breakfast foods, deli sandwiches, grilled 
foods, soups and most beverages, including coffee.

"We realize many employees eat at the Atrium," notes Ms. Goldberg, "and 
we're sensitive to their concerns over a price increase. To address these 
concerns, the Atrium will continue to offer quality and variety in its 
menus, and employees can still enjoy a 30 percent discount on all their 
purchases by showing their Jefferson identification badge." 

In addition, taking advantage of Atrium specials, such as the extra 20 
percent discount on frozen yogurt offered daily between 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. 
can help employees stretch their food budget a little further.


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Information provided by:  Editor, JeffNEWS
                          (215) 955-6204
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