Question

The owner of an Italian restaurant has just been notified by her landlord that the monthly lease on the building in which the restaurant operates will increase by 20 percent at the beginning of the year. Her current prices are competitive with nearby restaurants of similar quality. However, she is now considering raising her prices by 20 percent to offset the increase in her monthly rent.
Would you recommend that she raise prices?

a. Yes - the increase in lease expense is a fixed cost.
b. No - the increase in lease expense is a fixed cost.
c. No - the increase in lease expense is a marginal cost.
d. Yes - the increase in lease expense is a marginal cost.

Answer 1

Answer:

b. No - the increase in lease expense is a fixed cost.

Explanation:

If the owner of Italian restaurant increases the prices of its product it will result in low customers as the restaurant is already at the competitive price among its other competitors. If the restaurant raises prices the customers will move to the competitors which are offering same quality product at reduced price. The rent is increased by 20% which is considered as a fixed cost because it does not affect the per unit production and is not associated with the numbers of customers.