MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -
Chef Michael Hochhalter is no stranger to large crowds on Easter Sunday.
"We have about 58 seats and we have 75 people coming in."
In fact, reservations at his restaurant, Michael's Table, are up 20%.
"We do have some new faces coming in for Easter this year."
The additional business is good news right now since preparing the food isn't as affordable anymore.
"We're seeing a gas surcharge. Food prices are rising and it's getting kinda difficult to keep things at the same price," says Hochhalter.
But it's that way for everybody from the restaurants to the family dinner table.
"I have a family of 6," says Anneka Ellis.
While many may be eating out trying to save on preparation costs, Ellis is simply cutting back altogether.
"Bought a Boston Butt from my co-worker, so we're gonna use that and a few sides and that's it."
But if food weren't enough, throw gas prices in, too.
Ellis says her family isn't traveling anywhere with gas at nearly $4 dollars a gallon.
"The gas prices do limit you because you're not going to be visiting your family back and forth."
Price hikes--affecting the way many celebrate Easter--from the food to the fun.
"My niece and nephew--I would get a basket here, a basket there, but it's gonna be a card. A card this year and Happy Easter," says Ellis.
Despite the rising costs, the National Retail Federation estimates Easter spending for clothes, candy, and decorations will be up 11% this year.
Experts expect folks to spend roughly $20 dollars each for candy.
Total spending is expected to reach $16.8 billion dollars nationwide.
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