change isn’t always good

I have been eating and enjoying poutine from Potato Champion since it’s early days as the lonely cart at what is now known as “Cartopia.” So when I dropped by the other day after several weeks away, what I found surprised me. They had gussied up their menu board and had a new sign, and also had made some changes to their menu. I’m one of those types that’ll always order the same thing if I know it’s good, so naturally I went for poutine.
The first major change I noticed was that they no longer had “single” and “double” but had gone to “small, medium, and large.” Upon an inquiry to the cook, i was told that the large was a bit bigger than the old double, so I took one, even despite it’s $8 (vs. $7 for the double) price tag. I got my order expecting to walk away with it as I have for the past two years,however, the new system also had new trays, which are less then to-go friendly. I discovered they now charge an extra $.50 for a to go box, making a large order $1.50 more than what it used to be! I sat to enjoy my food, and was quite disappointed to discover that despite extra curds and gravy, the large was no larger than my usual double. I also noticed a change in the flavor (not for the better) of the usually fantastic gravy, and an under-abundance of curds on top.
After spending $10 ($9 for food and $1 tip) and not having the option where to eat my food without spending more, I was disheartened by these changes. I couldn’t help but to think that as they have gotten more and more popular, Potato Champion has decided to lower their quality and increase their profit margins, simply because they could. in doing so, they’ve lost a bit of what makes a food cart just that: inexpensive, amazingly good food.
Don’t get me wrong, I completely understand supply and demand and the necessity of a profit, and if prices must increase then raise them. I’d gladly pay $8 for a double poutine. but I won’t pay $8.50 for a large order to go.

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