The High Cost of Eating Out in America

As restaurants struggle with staffing and inflation, fast food has an advantage in the post-pandemic dining landscape.

Restaurants have had a steep climb back from the pandemic. After a post-Covid rebound, growth of same-store sales slowed across the industry in 2023, with high costs and changed eating habits keeping many customers home. Fast food—the most prevalent dining option across the US—has seen profit margins improve compared with those at sit-down, non-chain eateries, despite its price increases outpacing those of table service. For creative restaurateurs, the landscape isn’t exactly appetizing.