New left-leaning leadership takes NYC mayoral helm
Left-leaning Zohran Mamdani becomes New York City's new mayor amid affordability challenges.
Event / Economy
New York City Cost of Living
A controversy over a $40 roasted half-chicken at a Brooklyn restaurant sparked public debate about rising costs and affordability in New York City, highlighting broader economic pressures including labor costs, food prices driven by tariffs, and menu price increases of 43.6% over the past decade.
3 reported locations
Daily activity
0 articles0 articles
2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 28 Apr, 09:38 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
Brooklyn restaurant chef offers pay-what-you-think-fair promotion for half-chicken
Thomas Knodell, a chef at Gigi's restaurant, announced an exceptional promotion on Tuesday, April 28, where customers could pay whatever price they judged as fair for the roasted half-chicken dish.
Social media comparison creates half-chicken price index ranging from $10 to $78
Following the social media controversy, an informal "half-chicken price index" emerged comparing roasted half-chicken prices across New York restaurants, ranging from $10 at the cheapest restaurant to $78 at an upscale French restaurant in Manhattan.
New York restaurant prices increased 43.6% over decade through 2023
Restaurant menu prices in New York City increased by 43.6% during the decade before 2023, compared to 42.8% increase on average nationally, according to a report published in February.
Costco roasted chicken price unchanged at $4.99 since 2009
Costco sells a roasted chicken weighing approximately 1.4 kilograms for $4.99, the same price it has cost since 2009, according to reporting.
Local New York official Chi Ossé challenges restaurant pricing on social media
Chi Ossé, a progressive Democrat city official representing New York's 36th district, posted a critical message on Instagram about the $40 price for a roasted half-chicken at Gigi's restaurant, asking "40 dollars for a half-chicken in a wine bar? Seriously?" The post garnered over 9,000 likes and hundreds of comments, crystallizing public frustration about rising prices.
46% of surveyed New York restaurants report lower-than-expected revenue in 2025
Approximately 46% of over 200 restaurants surveyed by the New York City Hospitality Alliance reported having revenue lower than expected by the end of 2025. Their main concerns include labor costs, prices for goods and services, and lack of customers.
Zohran Mamdani becomes new left-leaning mayor of New York
Zohran Mamdani, a left-leaning politician, became the new mayor of New York City. Cost of living concerns were one of the key issues in his campaign.
Food prices increasing due to Trump-imposed tariffs, industry group states
The New York City Hospitality Alliance cited increased food prices as a driver of restaurant price increases, stating that food price inflation has been boosted by tariffs imposed by Donald Trump.
French chef Hugo Hivernat prices roasted half-chicken at $40 in Brooklyn restaurant
Hugo Hivernat, a 36-year-old French chef, set the price of a roasted half-chicken at $40 in his restaurant Gigi's located in a trendy Brooklyn neighborhood. The restaurant had only been open for a few days when it became involved in a debate over cost of living in New York.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
NYC restaurants report sharp revenue declines amid decade-long price surge
NYC restaurant prices up 43.6% in decade; 46% report weak 2025 revenue.
Brooklyn chef's $40 chicken sparks pricing debate online
Brooklyn restaurant's $40 chicken triggers pricing debate and social media comparison.