Better start brown-bagging it if you're a New York Times employee; starting February 4, the cost-cutting newspaper will increase cafeteria prices by 3.9%, according to an email announcement to staffers today. But don't worry! Management would like you to know that coffee prices won't change-hungry employees hopped up on caffeine are both prettier and more industrious! Wonder if those catered lunches for masthead-occupiers are going to get a price-jump? Oh wait, they're already free! To be fair, prices will still be "8% to 10% below the average for the neighborhood," according to the memo. The Times cafeteria is run by Restaurant Associates, which also manages the eateries at Conde Nast, Hearst and Google-anyone know if those companies are also bumping up their prices? Let us know. Memo after the jump.

————— Forwarded message ————— From: NYTIMES MAIL <nytmail@nytimes.com> Date: Jan 18, 2008 2:06 AM Subject: Cafeteria pricing To: NY TIMES INTERNET <NY_TIMES_INTERNET@nytimes.com>, NY TIMES NOTES <NY_TIMES_NOTES@nytimes.com > Dear Colleagues,

In an effort to keep up with the increasing cost of food and supplies, we have authorized Restaurant Associates to raise food prices in the cafeteria by an average of 3.9%, effective February 4. This will be the first cafeteria price increase in nearly three years.

In determining the increase, we researched prices at Times Square area shops like Metro Marche, Europa and Pax. We are pleased that we will be able to keep prices 8% to 10% below the average for the neighborhood.

While cafeteria and vending prices will increase, coffee bar and catering prices will not change.

If you have any questions, please contact Patricia Sharp, cafeteria general manager, at Redacted@restaurantassociates.com or 212-556-XXXX.

Thank you.

Brian Banks Executive Director, Building Services