Wyoming Town, Pop. 1, Gets 10 New Residents; Price of Omelets Increases

Bill, Wyoming used to have "one, two, or three residents, depending on if you counted pets," says the New York Times. Now the small town—which Google maps identifies as being at the center of Interstate 59 and Dull Center Road—has at least 11 people. Why the influx? Freight trains constantly pass through Bill and their drivers are required to stop often. So, developers decided to build a hotel and 24-hour restaurant in the small town that got its name when some goddess of literalness noted that "several area men were all called Bill." How do the freight workers/town transients feel about the new hotel and adjacent diner?

Some complain about stuffy rules at the new hotel (like having to remove one's cleats before entering!). What else? The diner prices.

Jarod Lessert, 35, a train engineer and one of Bill’s longtime transients ... adds that some of the hotel’s rules are plainly ridiculous. He also expresses shock at the prices in the diner: “Nine dollars for an omelet?”

What is this, New York?! Read on:

Actually, an omelet costs $7.99, plus tax, with meat, hash browns, toast and drink. But at least now you can have an omelet here.

Hmm, eight bucks does seem a bit pricey for the middle of nowhere in Wyoming. That almost seems what one might pay for a diner brunch in New York, perhaps sans the meat and drink. Below, a price comparison between Penny's and some NYC diners.

Penny's Diner, Bill, Wyoming: $7.99 for omelet with meat, hash browns, toast, and drink.
The New St. Clair Restaurant, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn: $5.50 for cheese omelet, home fries, toast, and drink.
New Apollo Restaurant, downtown Brooklyn: $6.10 for cheese omelet with one side (add meat for $1.50).
Diner, meatpacking district: $8.95 for omelet with fries and toast.
Tick Tock Diner, west midtown: $5.95 for cheese omelet with potatoes and toast.

Interesting, especially when, according to my sources, I could take a nearly 50 percent decrease in salary if I moved to Wyoming and still keep up the same lifestyle (ie, the barely scraping by kind ...).

Above: Photo of Bill from the Times.