By: Paulina Milewska, Class IV
Bodegas an unquestionably important part of a New Yorkers' life. Their casual style contrasts with their speed and efficiency. They fuel the native city dweller. The National Institute of Health states that in a consumer survey done with around 220 people in New York City, 80% reported shopping at a specific bodega once a week or more. Similarly, fast food is a decades-long phenomenon and a prominent part of the American lifestyle. Its appetizing visuals support its famous, efficient culture. According to a 2014 study by the Economic Research Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, on average an American adult purchases fast food 2.7 times a week.
Although the fast food and bodega industries overlap in many areas, there are still some distinct factors that differentiate them. As Americans, New Yorkers, and city dwellers, which should we support: bodegas or fast food establishments?
Affordability
The main contributor to these restaurant categories rising to fame in the first place is their refreshingly low prices. Bodegas are especially unique in their disproportionate monetary value. According to CBS News, the average price for a sandwich at a bodega, one of the more commonly purchased items, is only $5.91. On the other hand, burgers are a popular choice at fast food establishments. According to the news station KFGO, the average cost of a burger in a fast food setting is $8.41. However these prices can change on a local scale. McDonald's sells its iconic Big Mac for a relatively-cheaper $5.99, and, although in general bodegas’ most common item is $2.50 less than the average fast food chains,’ in Brooklyn Latin’s neighborhood fast food has the advantage. McDonald's’ most popular item is $1 cheaper than the Grand Freedom Market Deli & Grill, which on average sells their sandwich for about $6.99 and an American Burger for $6. However, are slightly higher prices worth it?
Customer Service
Mr. Chan, a Latin magister at the Brooklyn Latin School, recalled, in reference to his favorite bodega, “Earlier this year I hadn’t gone for a few weeks, [and] the first time I went [back] in, [the worker] went ‘Oh, you’re here!’” This wholesome experience is just one example of the welcoming community bodegas foster.
Sam, a cashier for the Grand Freedom Market Deli & Grill, a few blocks away from TBLS, mentioned the business he helps with is family owned. He noted that one of his favorite parts of coming to work was making friends and interacting with customers. This is another example of how the family dynamics of these stores strengthen the sentimental value of them, and the workers naturally share that feeling with their customers. Overall, the unique interactions and sense of community customers experience in bodegas adds to its appeal.
However, fast food restaurants have a more impersonal environment, largely due to the fact that part of their societal expectation is to run fast and smoothly. For instance, at Brooklyn Latin’s local McDonald's, self-order kiosks were installed, and numbered orders are used. Although human interactions are less frequent with this, it enables fast food establishments to fulfill those expectations and establish an efficient routine for quick and accurate transactions. This process is better for people who are often in a rush and dislike small talk. Mr. Chan also shares that fast food workers are people, just like the ones at bodegas. The difference is, however, when supporting a fast-food chain, a consumer is supporting the company that will pay the worker, instead of the worker directly.
Health
Neither place is necessarily known for its outstanding health benefits. It is usually difficult for companies to balance affordability and health due to the costliness of organic ingredients. In terms of health, bodegas serve somewhat fresh food. They serve deli meats and cheeses, which are processed at the level of your local supermarket. They also serve more processed bagged candy and chips, being a staple spot for quick snacks.
Fast food is similar. They serve meats and cheeses, which are processed, but more heavily than bodegas are. According to NYU, the industrial food environment tends to focus more on numbers of nutrients rather than the health effects of the processing. However, fast food establishments don’t sell bagged candy and chips, which are categorized by NYU as ‘ultra processed foods.’ In this category, both places have pros and cons that depend on which items you are purchasing.
Conclusion
The TBLS community is in an area packed with bodegas, including the Grand Freedom Market Deli & Grill, Diamond Express Deli, Farmer Deli, and others. Conversely, we have a lower concentration of fast-food restaurants. However, there’s still a few to choose from, including McDonald's, Dunkin' (formerly Dunkin' Donuts), Domino’s, and others. Many bodegas and fast-food chains are successful for a reason, so in the end, it is up to your personal preferences and location to find out which is the best option for you. With that said, in bodegas, you get to experience the building of relationships, healthier options, and generally lower costs. With these factors in mind, bodegas are the fairly stronger choice.
This is an opinion piece. Opinion pieces do not represent the views of anyone at The Brooklyn Latin School and are the sole expressed opinion of the writer.
Comments