As inflation rates show signs of slowing, the consequences of previous price hikes continue to reverberate in the fast-food industry, leaving many consumers feeling the pinch in their wallets.
Industry expert Tim Powell notes that inflation has disrupted the traditionally low prices at quick-service restaurants (QSRs). Over the past two years, major chains like McDonald’s, Chipotle, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks have raised menu prices to counter soaring commodity costs and wages. This shift has transformed fast food, once known for its affordability, into a less budget-friendly option for many diners.
Recent federal data reveals a 6.2% increase in fast-food prices over the past 12 months, with inflation leveling off in other consumer areas. Despite expectations of deep discounts in retail for the upcoming holidays, restaurant prices, especially in the fast-food sector, remain on an upward trajectory.
Industry veteran Mark Kalinowski underscores a concerning trend: once menu prices are raised, they rarely decrease. McDonald’s, in its October earnings call, predicted a cumulative 10% increase in menu prices in the US for 2022, building on a similar hike in the fiscal year 2022. Similarly, Chipotle implemented a 3% menu price increase in October, marking its fifth adjustment since June 2021.
Notably, California-based consumers might see additional price increases next year due to the state’s impending fast-food law, triggering a significant wage hike. McDonald’s CEO, Chris Kempczinski, mentioned the likelihood of these increased costs being reflected in higher pricing.
Starbucks, too, has not ruled out further price hikes, indicating a strategic approach to pricing adjustments in response to inflationary pressures. Even value deals are not exempt, as Pizza Hut’s recent introduction of a $7 Deal Lover’s Menu reflects a shift from its previous $5 value offering.
The disappearance of dollar items from the McDonald’s $1 $2 $3 Dollar Menu has caught the attention of consumers. While McDonald’s franchisees set their own prices, the absence of $1 items raises questions about ongoing value in fast-food offerings.
Consumers are increasingly expressing their dissatisfaction with inflated fast-food prices on social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit. Despite this, industry leaders like Ian Borden, the global chief financial officer at McDonald’s, maintain that the company continues to focus on providing value for money and affordability, even amid elevated pricing levels.
While fast-food prices remain a point of contention, some relief can be found through promotional deals available on apps. McDonald’s, for example, offers free fries every Friday, but only through its app, showcasing a shift in the way consumers access discounts in the current landscape.