I am not familiar with restaurant prices in California, but theirs seem low. Can't a raise in prices compensate for the rent? Would that make them less competitive compared to surrounding places? For how long until those places have to raise prices too?

http://www.bistroelan.com/Bistro_Elan/Dinner_menu.html

Also, can they expand and start serving dinner at the Birch St location, partly subsidizing the operation at the California Avenue place?