❗Help close the gap: We still need to raise $40,000 by the end of March. Donate now

The Big Apple is the brunch capital of the U.S.

Marketplace Staff Jan 25, 2011
HTML EMBED:
COPY

The Big Apple is the brunch capital of the U.S.

Marketplace Staff Jan 25, 2011
HTML EMBED:
COPY

TEXT OF STORY

JEREMY HOBSON: It’s only Tuesday, but it’s never too early to think about brunch. And according to Crain’s New York business, New York City is the brunch capital of the country.

Marketplace’s Alisa Roth is on the brunch beat this morning and she’s here in the studio with me with more. Good morning.

ALISA ROTH: Good morning.

HOBSON: Are people really having more brunch in New York than in other places?

ROTH: Well, the magazine asked Google, and apparently we made 35-percent more brunch-related searches last year than anyone else. At Sarabeth’s — which as you know is a classic brunch place here, with a couple of locations — brunch volume is reportedly up 10 percent. The Waldorf-Astoria — which charges a whopping $95-a-person for its weekend brunch — says it can’t keep up with demand.

HOBSON: 95 bucks for brunch — sounds like we might be well out of the recession at this point.

ROTH: Actually, the Waldorf aside, some people think brunch is big because of the recession. It’s a way to enjoy a nice meal without spending as much as you would for dinner. Plus there are all kinds of deals out there where you might get a free drink or two with your food. Which makes it more of a bargain.

HOBSON: Okay, now the real question: What’s your favorite brunch — savory or sweet?

ROTH: I don’t want to be a party pooper, but I prefer either breakfast or lunch, not the combination. But if I had to choose, I’d definitely pick a really good bagels and lox.

HOBSON: And they’re not hard to find here in New York. Marketplace’s Alisa Roth here in the brunch capital of the USA. Thanks so much.

ROTH: You’re welcome.

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.