Not in the money
Local restaurant owner says cheap eats undermine businesses
The owner of a Sydney restaurant is crying foul about food specials being offered by Casino Nova Scotia, saying the establishment is selling food below cost in order to lure potential gamers inside its doors.
Trevor McPhee, owner of Embers Southern Barbecue, said he has contacted Restaurants Canada with his concerns and they’ve indicated they will follow up on the complaint.
Casino Nova Scotia has recently heavily promoted its food specials, promoting a dozen chicken wings for three dollars and a lobster tail and prime rib special that rings in at just under $10.
McPhee said the wings cost just under six dollars to purchase, even before costs of cooking them and serving them as well as overhead are factored into the menu price.
“It definitely is unfair competition,” McPhee said. “They don’t care if they make money (on food). I don’t have 37 VLT machines … I need to make money on my food, they don’t.
“It’s selling below cost and therefore unfair competition and, in my eyes, illegal.”
“It’s a battle we can’t win, their only concern is they hope that they give the food away and people put money in the machines,” McPhee said. “It’s not the consumer’s fault, consumers are going to go where they can get the best deal, that’s just the way it is.
“All I’m saying is, let’s have a fair playing field.”
McPhee said he acquired the Charlotte Street eatery in January and employs 14 people.
Sean Coyle, director of operations with Casino Nova Scotia in Sydney, said while it serves food the operation is not a restaurant and provides “a variety of experiences” for member players.
“We don’t feel we really compete with the local restaurants, from that perspective,” Coyle said. “We understand that business is competitive and we offer lot of ways for our member players to join and enjoy the casino experience including things like food and beverage specials and giveaways and draw promotions and all different kinds of things like that.”
He said the offerings are generally tailored specifically to the casino’s customers.
Coyle noted that many different businesses offer specials at a discount and other techniques to attract customers to their premises. Specifically, he mentioned doorcrashers that provide deep discounts to grab consumers’ attention to have then come and try out a business.
“We do offer discounted food specials, for sure,” Coyle said. “It’s part of our business, but we’re not a restaurant.”
Food specials are something the casino has offered throughout its 22-year history, he added.
The casino employs about 130 people.
Restaurants Canada did not respond to a request for comment.