15 Big Restaurant Chains That Are In Deep, Deep Trouble

Restaurants are facing an exceedingly difficult period right now. With American consumers being overwhelmed by the cost of basic staples, people have considerably less money to visit their favorite food joints this year, and this is severely hurting the bottom line of famous chains like Olive Garden, Waffle House, and even the NFL's official pizza place, Little Caesars.
Despite being one of the most well-known restaurants in America, Olive Graden is facing its fair share of struggles this year. Parent company Darden Restaurants informed investors and analysts that they will have to lower their expectations as inflation continues to pressure its main customer base. CNBC reported that the company's profits fell nearly $100 million below expectations, and that same-store sales dropped 8% below target. Raj Vennam, the Chief Financial Officer of Darden, explained that because Olive Garden was both an eat-in location and had an that was more at risk due to the rising cost of everyday necessities, sales numbers weren't as strong as the company predicted they would be. Catering to middle and upper-middle-class Americans, the brand has been particularly susceptible to disruptions as these groups coped with higher inflation and slow wage growth in recent years. As it turns out, consumers today are far less willing to spend $20 for an entree when fast-casual brands like Chipotle are cheaper, and that's a major issue for Olive Garden. In response, the casual dining chain trimmed its menu, pivoted to takeout, and is trying to cut costs. But industry experts are questioning whether those measures will be enough to save the company from the overall decline in traffic and the reduction of its main clientele.
Meanwhile, management is struggling to bring Waffle House back on its feet. CEO Walter Ehmer revealed that sales volumes dropped dramatically, and an acute labor shortage is still causing disruptions in its operations. The company's servers only earn $2.92 an hour and rely mainly on tips to have a livable wage, which led thousands of workers to quit in the past couple of years, and left recruiters scrambling to find new personnel to fill in vacant positions. Still, the chain is now charging a 20% fee on all 'To-Go orders' claiming that 10% is paid to servers and 10% is a service fee. However, customers don't seem convinced that's the real reason why prices are going up at Waffle House. On social media, many say the company is 'price gouging' its customers while failing to provide financial support to its workers. Under public scrutiny, Waffle House is losing popularity at a time when it desperately needs to boost sales and profits to survive the ongoing downturn.
With lower sales volumes, and more expensive costs, these and many other major brands are losing millions of dollars in profits and getting closer to bankruptcy court. These are just a few businesses being affected by the current economic downturn. Many people in the media deny that we're in a recession, but the fact that even some of the most-established restaurant chains in the market are fighting to stay afloat tells us otherwise. A flood of bankruptcies is coming, and many beloved chains will go down next.
Conditions will only become tougher as we enter another rocky period for the U.S. economy. So before your go-to restaurant disappears, we decided to list several chains that are struggling to survive right now.

[@jessemilligan]

Remember back in the day when you could afford to go out to eat once a week?

[@jamesmullins1990]

That was way back in early 2000s before the freemasons shipped and outsourced all U.S. manufacturing and exports to poor Indian, China and cheap global labor markets. After that, the homeless rates in every U.S. city started to skyrocket.

[@Earthly_Being]

Yes I remember. Hole in the wall restaurants were really affordable. I can’t really afford to go out to eat now.

[@stevep756]

Everything was going down hill in the late 1970's starting off with electronics. In no time it was all made in japan. Then the free trade agreements took the rest from 1988 on . Now we make nothing, have nothing so why would anybody invest here? All the welfare is coming to and end real fast for real Americans. @@jamesmullins1990

[@jasjas-rm9kc]

I’m overseas where it’s still affordable. I go out to eat at least once a day. Or have food delivered.

[@chrisnelson3046]

Yes, in the before before time

[@palapalak.8907]

5 guys is super expensive.

[@azmike1]

With a name like "five guys," avoidance is wise.

[@tommyebay]

Swung by for a burger and fries, nothing special, it was over $12 and thats w/o a drink

[@ronpagan]

Went there yesterday in California. $20.68 for a regular burger, small fries and a small soft drink. Can't afford to do that any longer.

[@joegrahe3958]

Burger Fries and Drink almost 20 bucks

[@Angela-zf8sn]

Hardly go there for that very reason

[@breeinatree4811]

We moved to NC four years ago. One of the first things we did, when moving to a new area, is to try all the restaurants around us. We've stopped going to any chain restaurants because of the cost. Fortunately, in our search, we have found several very good mom and pop places.

[@maxdugan211]

They are the best.

[@mikeburrill779]

I would rather eat at a mom and pops at least you know where you're money is going. Besides the food is probably better

[@TOONMAN200]

Yes we got 2 hamburgers with fries at 5 Guys, no drinks $46.00. Now we get supermarket hamburger, for around $10.00 we get about 6 hamburgers, from one package.

[@eileeneclark9011]

5/26/24....I HAVE ENJOYED MEETING/BECOMING GOOD CUSTOMER + GOOD FRIEND @ SEVERAL MOM + POP RESTAURANTS THESE LAST FEW YEARS... AND THE FOOD IS SO MUCH BETTER!

[@paulstein9258]

I used to be a 5 guys regular. I’m shocked at the price increases. A former customer.

[@mutteringmale]

A regular? My guess is that you work for the government, inherited a lot of money or found gold in them thar hills and are kind of slow.

[@jimblessinger]

Small Burger, Small Fries, Small drink $18 bucks. Thats when I stoped going to 5 guys. They need to fire one of the guys to bring down the prices. 4 Guys sounds good.

[@etorepugatti9196]

Five guys basic menu for 18$ For guys 14.4$ Three guys 10.8$ Two 7.2$ Last guy go bankrupcy.

[@kushkingla7385]

Ate their once. That was all it took.

[@johnh8705]

​@kushkingla7385 grab a box of peanuts

[@StephenDoty84]

The LGBTQ wants it called "5 persons" and the NAACP "4 People of Color and one token White."

[@willk7184]

Plus like most fast food places you have to beg them for a few ketchup packets.

[@tonypittsburgh9]

Golden Corral: proof you can turn chemicals into food. Olive Garden: when it first opened, it was very good, now they have cut so many corners, it's a TV dinner

[@chrismalinowski654]

Tv dinner is a bit exaggerated but yeah it’s definitely gone downhill

[@CRuf-qw4yv]

AND...We swore off buffet style chains years ago. Parents let their toddlers run rampant with many grabbing food in the trays with dirty hand and snotty faces, Take out strip mall Chinese take-out is becoming the go-to...as long as they cook non-MSG servings with healthy low-salt and low-sugar ingredients. That is the challenge.

[@dimitriberozny3729]

Olive Garden never impressed me! I remember in the early days they wanted your signature and mailing address before they would redeem coupons from Red Plum or Valupack. All you got was your name sold for more junk mail!!

[@lornaevans3967]

Golden Corral is not my cup of tea. I don’t like people breathing on my food as I am a germaphobe

[@mutteringmale]

G Corral is going out of business soon, just like all the other all you can eat places. It's immigration that's killing them. Immigrants can't believe that they can just take all they want and fill their purses and grocery bags with enough food for a week!

[@Harry-lq5hu]

I just spent $75 for burgers ,fries and drinks at 5 guys. NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN !!!!

[@reginaldgarner4321]

@Harry-Iq5hu, How many people were served?

[@EagleXYZLibertarianForChrist]

People are blaming 5 guys for the high prices which is incorrect. 5 guys has significantly higher quality of food, they pay their workers & treat them well when it comes to benefits & more. The higher prices are because of government inflation. Government has convinced people that this is just businesses being greedy, & in some cases, that is the truth, but not the full truth. Government has been stealing & abusing the value of our money. Remember those $1,200+ checks they sent out to people? Ya, that wasn't free money. It came at the cost of the value of our money & enriching billion dollar corporations. They have been printing the money to subsidize wars and these 3vil government programs. Don't let them scapegoat out of this.

[@Mitjitsu]

You'd have have to be ordering up the place with 3 people to run up a bill like that.

[@jordandennis6794]

Fuck that. I'd walk out

[@whatchamacallit70]

Wow were you trying to feed all your personalities?!? 😂

[@TheVagolfer]

"Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday." The Rolling Stones

[@ryanlarsen6640]

We’re slowly moving back to the 1950s where we all make dinner at home and minimal restaurant options. Everything is so expensive. Family bag of chips 1999 $1.99 / today $6.99

[@StephenDoty84]

I ordered an iced coffee and a hot tea at a local coffee shop the other day. Cost: $10 for both. My parents would pay maybe 25 cents top for that same thing. I would never have believed a iced coffee and hot tea would cost ten bucks when I was a kid buying a Milky Way bar for 15 cents and thinking that was a lot.

[@anthonymurillo8721]

A snack size bag of chips here in Sacramento Ca is almost $3.00

[@dimitriberozny3729]

@@StephenDoty84 Must have been Dunkin!

[@StephenDoty84]

Nope, it wasn't a big chain. Dunkin would be less than $10, I think. Their tea is cheap. @@dimitriberozny3729

[@catw6998]

@@anthonymurillo8721 A mini Blizzard which is smaller than the small, $5.00! I think those should be capped at no more than $2.00!!! Well, I tried the two newest flavors and did enjoy them but because of the cost. That’s it for me! I would love to get these more than once during the summer. That’s your BIG mistake DQ. It’s kinda like how our Metro is operating. If they see x -amt taking the trains in to work, they up the price so even more can’t afford to take it. Get a clue! Even a 5 year old could tell them to lower and maybe offer better discounts at different times. No, they would prefer to run the services into oblivion. That’s the greed in some. Actors and pro players want more money. It’s not coming out of the owners’ hands. Instead, they just up the prices for tickets, concession stands, and then it goes to tv stations to either cut their services or up their prices too. A pro player is offered millions and 1st game, they get hurt and are out the whole season. Ya think any of that money is forfeited? Not that the people who come to watch the game will notice. I highly doubt the owners are going to lower the cost of the tickets.

[@Cozydrone]

When I worked at olive garden in 1987,all of there pasta was made from scratch by a pasta chef,it has slowly been going downhill for 36 years,😟😲😭.

[@TRANSPORTKING1988]

Back in the 80s and even in the 90s McDonalds had real 100% beef and so did Wendy's and Burger King... What they are serving today is bioengineered lab meat, it don't cook the same and it certainly don't taste the same

[@Cozydrone]

@@TRANSPORTKING1988 yes,I am 57 years old and seen food turn to crap in that time,😟

[@TRANSPORTKING1988]

@@Cozydrone I just turned 58 so we're basically the same age, the past is never coming back

[@tashidelic]

I say you bring 1987 Back to the Futrue!!! w/ that pasta!!!

[@JamesBrown-db9pk]

yup

[@bobsmith-wg9fz]

5 guys died when it costs 25$ for ONE burger and large fries...........

[@Richardcarlett]

A perfect storm is brewing in the United States. Inflation, bank collapse, severe drought in the agricultural belt, recession, food shortages, diesel fuel and heating oil shortages, baby formula shortages, available automobile shortages and prices, the price of living place. It's all coming together and it could lead to a real disaster towards the end of this year (or sooner). With inflation currently at about 5%, my primary concern is how to maximize my savings/retirement fund of about $300k which has been sitting duck since forever with zero to no gains.

[@philipr1759]

These are the conditions in which life-changing money is made by those who remain calm, patient, and take controlled risks. Volatility goes both ways. The bigger the red candles, the bigger the green ones.

[@jeffery_Automotive]

eInvesting in stocks can be a wise decision, especially if you have a dependable trading system that can lead to successful outcomes. Personally, I've been working with a financial advisor for about a year now. Starting with less than $200K and I'm now just $19,000 away from making half a million in profit.

[@berkrix4312]

@@jeffery_Automotive I think this is something I should do, but I've been stalling for a long time now. I don't really know which firm to work with; I feel they are all the same. Is there any chance you could recommend who you work with?

[@jeffery_Automotive]

I encountered Julie Anne Hoover through my wife, and I emailed her. She is guiding me. Since then, she has given me chances to buy and sell the stocks in which I'm interested in. You can hunt her up online if you require care supervision.

[@berkrix4312]

@@jeffery_Automotive I greatly appreciate it. I'm fortunate to have come upon your message because investing greatly fascinates me. I'll look Julie up and send her a message. You've truly motivated me. God's blessings on you.

[@therooster6104]

We don’t eat out anymore, it’s more than inflation and the prices and smaller servings. The majority of people that work in restaurants don’t care , and cleanliness is very worrisome.

[@LilRed90skid]

I agree, and the managers blame the employees for a total lack of cleanliness when they just act oblivious. My old restaurant had roaches around the bar and as well as them and ants in the kitchen…

[@therooster6104]

@@LilRed90skidTerribly sad indeed , thanks for your comment, God bless you and your’s 🙏🏼🕊️

[@montanaminck2226]

Most are DISGUSTING

[@smoadal]

I haven't been to a fast food or regular restaurant in a long time ago due to portions getting smaller and prices is crazy bill and the taste is different so we decided not to go anymore

[@pkendlers]

I'd rather cook steak at home three times a week, than eat out once.

[@chrisstepleton4761]

1. Olive Garden 2. Five Guys 3. Waffle House 4. Texas Road House 5. Panda Express 6. Golden Corral 7. Cracker Barrel 8. Taco Johns 9. Dairy Queen 10. Little Cesar Pizza 11. Joe's Crab Shack 12. Dennys 13. Fuddruckers 14. Friendly's 15. Ruby Tuesday

[@user-bk5dp5uy2l]

Thanks. Saved me roughly 20 minutes.

[@PoeLemic]

Saint Chris ... Thank you for doing the Lord's Work. Please, ask the Lord if timestamps would be part of your pentenances in the future.

[@Polemic-2525]

I wonder about I-HOP

[@johnkeviljr9625]

Thank you for saving my time with this windybpost.

[@pinkyjohns5198]

Thank you!

[@RedBud315]

Even before COVID I rarely ate at the big chain fast food places. I prefer to support the Mom and Pop restaurants where the food is more like home cooking and the families appreciate the business so they usually treat you right.

[@winnon992]

Where I live I could count 4 within a few minutes from my house. I used to eat at one of them a couple of times a week. Now their all closed.. All were better than the Fast Food joints !

[@flyingbassett4332]

Amazed! Amazed, I say. No way anyone could have guessed that high inflation, coupled with a rabid vocal minority DEMANDING wages go up 10, 20, 30 percent or more, would drive up costs. That really is unexpected, shocking news.

[@Earth_Rocker]

My family used to eat out A LOT when I was working. Now I cook most everything at home and my family feels better (physically and mentally). Quality of food DOES matter and knowing what is in your food is imperative.

[@markmunroe-hz8rf]

I agree. I now ear jasmine rice, more beans and peas, provisions and healthy snacks.

[@richardkell4888]

Yup, you don't know what the hell they re putting in it and the price !!!

[@asimhusain8087]

Yeah just get a crockpot and a blender and a food dehydrator you'll have great delicious and cheap and healthy foods

[@farmonthehill7390]

The problem with 5 Guys is price, not the other issues cited. I have been going to 5 Guys since the late 1980s when it was literally a dad and his four sons running a hole in the wall place on the Arlington - Alexandria border. The food is excellent compared to most other burger places. The problem is that prices have more than doubled -- from $10-12 in the 90s to $15 in 2019 to $24 now for essentially the same meal. It is just getting too expensive. I can cook burgers for 4 at home for the cost of a meal for one at 5 Guys. Furthermore, I (and millions of other Americans) am increasingly unwilling to pay the going rates for both fast food and sit-down fine dining restaurants. Even if I have to pay $25 per pound for a USDA prime ribeye steak at the grocery store, it is still substantially cheaper to cook at home than to eat out.

[@frankl2639]

Exactly. I may scoff at a $60 package of rib eyes at COSTCO but that same 14-16oz steak at an actual steakhouse is easily around $50-60, not including tax. I did find a hole-in-the-wall bar that serves up a $18.95 New York strip with two sides but I’m keeping that a secret.

[@jackf456]

Ive been eating at 5 guys since 93ish before they where franchised. All the 5 guys I've been too hire most of their staff as full time, give them insurance and pays them wellish and gives them vacation. That goes into the cost of goods sold and hence the higher price of the food. It's up to you where you spend your money but I tend to eat at 5 guys

[@csnide6702]

exactly.... You have to take out a loan to go to 5 Guys.

[@wjack4728]

Went to 5 Guys once about 2016, wow! the price for a cheeseburger, fries , and diet coke was like $14, and the taste didn't impress me at all. Never been back.

[@ct87gn25]

@@jackf456 The problem now Jack is most are living paycheck to paycheck and can no longer afford to pay the insane prices at Five Guys or any of the other big chains. Like others have said, you can cook the same exact meal at home for a LOT less. And with the economy in the toilet, things won't be changing anytime soon.

[@samuellane8691]

I was at "Five Guys" about 1 year ago. They wanted - for a hamburger - $21.00!!! Ain't no hamburger in the world worth $21.00!

[@TOONMAN200]

We been going to Chili's Restaurant, drink, salad one side and a burger, $10.95 Weekdays only until 3PM still a goog place for lunch.

[@lgempet2869]

Hard to believe w/Texas Roadhouse considering, in my area, they do a booming business constantly….I mean, they’re PACKED all the time, so it’s difficult to comprehend that they might be in financial trouble.

[@TheBORG580]

I agree with you entirely to Texas roadhouse here always jampacked I don’t care what time of day or week that you go it is always jampacked and awaiting time 10 to 20 minutes so this story sounds a little sketchy to me.

[@gplunk]

You can still be packed; but if your food costs and labor are out of line, it'll kill you....

[@neneshubby]

My wife and I love to eat out but we avoid chain restaurants like the plague. We look for locally owned places and hidden gems spread by word of mouth.

[@tomfilipiak3511]

One,hundred percent correct!Seek,and you shall find!I am from Chicago,there is a place in Howe Indiana,150 miles from Chicago,called the Howe restaurant,owner Angelo the Greek,put out a great half pound burger,medium rare,7.99with fries!

[@ct87gn25]

@@tomfilipiak3511 BINGO!!!! Local resturants have WAY BETTER food and it's usually MUCH cheaper!!!

[@77loneranger]

Eat at independent, non-chain places. My favorite is Cunetto House of Pasta in St. Louis.

[@tony5006]

In Florida, go to Harry's Old Place, Cherry Pocket or Crabby Bill's in St. Cloud. Google Maps will get you there.

[@scockery]

Local places? That's where they give you shady chicken burrito bacteria infections and chipped teeth.

[@z-greatwhatever1586]

Make your own food.

[@undercoverbird8592]

Seriously. One hour on KZbin could be spent making a pot of soup or a sandwich or a salad. People are lazy. Pure and simple. Wash the dishes later when you can. That’s it. ❤

[@docula9153]

Make me make my own food

[@bob_greene]

first, U have to have enough land to start a garden w/out vandalism or animals searching for food in areas where subdivisions took their prior habitat; it'd be easier to do out west at this point (unless U move to PA.)

[@Zexx4]

Buying groceries is just as expensive as eating out anymore and sometimes you get LESS food per dollar you spend....and I'm talking about buy generic and off brand

[@choxxxieful]

When I go out to eat, I go to the local grocery store deli...

[@brianbeecher3084]

Can’t believe that Boston Market wasn’t mentioned. They have been hit with several lawsuits and have closed many locations.

[@elonever.2.071]

I ate at Boston Market one time in NYS. When I walked in I saw a bunch of chickens cooking on a rotisserie so I ordered one to go. When I got home there was a plucked pigeon in the container. I called them up and found out that the small chickens on the rotisserie were their turkeys! And it wasn't cheap. Last time for me.

[@TheQwaggs]

They have completely pivoted into frozen food. Less exposure to the things you said

[@LunaMia-gw9uo]

If you don't find a means of multiplying your income you will wake up one day to realize you didn't plan well

[@MarisKumar]

Hearing it last week got me scared so I agree with you! Investing puts money to work. The only reason to save money is to invest it

[@Lukastrump]

This is correct, Lillie Tamara's strategy has normalized winning trades for me also and it's a huge milestone for me looking back to how it all started

[@DidiPetalz]

YES!!! That's exactly her name so many people have recommended highly about her and am just starting with her from Santa Clara California

[@VictoriaPeterson-px9yk]

Same here, with my current portfolio made from my investment with my personal financial advisor I totally agree with you

[@Apehdove]

HOW DO I GET ON THIS?????🙏

[@Imwright720]

It was 30 bucks for 2 people at McDonald’s. Seriously.

[@dannydaw59]

What did you order?

[@nattypatty3667]

That's like 6 big macs. They must be obese

[@docula9153]

@@dannydaw59 30 dollars worth of nasty food I would say

[@goldenagenut]

That's insane.

[@kevinroberts781]

Just my meal at McDonald's was 21.86. No, I won't be going back

[@goin200mph]

If Five Guys is in trouble, they brought it on themselves. Last time I went was the last time I’ll go… For my daughter and me, two burgers, two small fries and ONE soft drink (I had free water from the fountain) was $42!!! F that.

[@mariomario7379]

I spent that last week for 2 burgers, two small fries, and 2 drinks. Never again.

[@spacecoyote6646]

We Haven't been in years because of the price

[@dennisdavidek6694]

Ditto

[@afriendtoo6971]

This is good news for America. Less fast food joints is good. No wonder America has an obesity problem.

[@donaldnewell4868]

I thought surely, this person must be exaggerating, so I priced out the order online for pickup. Over $40. Wow!

[@B.NathanielSullivan]

As an increasing number of states increase their minimum wage, restaurant owners have no other choice but to raise prices. This isn't the only factor, but it's part of the mix.

[@adotintheshark4848]

and who gets screwed when the restaurant closes? The minimum wage worker, who no longer has a job.

[@annalieff-saxby568]

Yet, in Europe, where servers are paid a decent wage, fast food prices are lower. Go figure!

[@CarlGolden]

I have worked in the restaurant industry for 30+ years. First job was for DQ. One of the biggest challenges in the industry is finding people to actually work. You have a hard time finding people to apply and those that do don't actually put in the effort. I don't quite understand what changed but the workforce is not the same. Then ad on to it the increase of prices. It's no wonder locations are closing. Honestly though I think there were too many chains that served basically the same thing. How many burger places can we get?

[@justicedemocrat9357]

How much are they being paid per hour?

[@TRoth858]

The govt is who is to blame for a large part of. During the plannedemic, forcing places to close, and giving everyone money that exceeded what they were normally making made it so noone wanted to go back to work when they could sit and do nothing while make good money. I know a few people who flat out said there's no way they'd go back to work when they were making so much more living off of those who were still working. And sadly, those who wanted to work were shut out. This is exactly where the govt wants everyone. Dependent on them.

[@intrepidcoder1987]

​​@@TRoth858how long are you going to keep peddling this tired bs for? Folks received a paltry 1200 stimulus payment four (!) calendar years ago. So tell me how many folks can make 1200 stretch over four years without working?

[@adotintheshark4848]

I knew someone who worked for the DQ near me. He used to joke about he and his co-workers would piss in the mayonnaise.

[@blue81blue81]

Yea I am puzzled by this staffing issue. The covid benefits are gone. So what are these people who don't want to work doing for money ??? Food? Shelter ? Essentials? When I was in my 20's I couldn't just quit my job. I had bills to pay. I don't quite get that part of the situation.

[@danielgant2214]

To be clear, the Cracker Barrel restaurants in Portland Oregon didn’t “go out of business”, they were closed by the company because the homeless problem was so bad, and the police wouldn’t remove them, the customers wouldn’t come to the store. Welcome to the left coast.

[@jimdingle4521]

liberalism, not even once

[@b4804514]

Just try Mississippi dummy

[@rachaelgraham8963]

Where do all these homeless people come from? Don’t they know we don’t like looking at them while we have poor people serve us food!!

[@kathymisel3091]

😮

[@benzielke7149]

I used to live in southeast off of 88th & Duke. I moved out of shithole portland in 2017. Never going back.

[@kanders7391]

I won’t eat Panda express. The food hurts my stomach. The noodles are the worst. Reducing quality of food does not help sales. They don’t save money by driving customers away. Also, during the Pandemic I learned to make Chinese food. I bought higher quality noodles for $5 cooked the chicken, steamed the vegetables and fed my whole family using fresh ingredients & much less oil. Also I learned to make pizza including the dough. My pizza tastes like fresh bread.

[@stevestevens502]

i view places like panda express as last resort no other option quality food...like those packs of powered food soldiers eat on the front line

[@factz8131]

Noodles 🚮

[@PoeLemic]

@Kanders .... Good for you. We also learned during Covid how to cook more at home. We were cooking at home before, but now, we cook at home a lot. By the way, where did you learn how to make Chinese? For us, we watched mostly KZbin videos and found that it's so much easier than we ever thought in the past.

[@almararcano7014]

​@@PoeLemicme TV was,

[@comfeefort]

Me too. You can learn to cook anything on KZbin

[@That_Guy78]

I worked at a Fuddruckers for less than a year as a teenager. It was still doing well when it closed down. A hospital bought up all the land in that area and expanded where it used to be. The land it was on just became too valuable.

[@alexandraeverafter1015]

I am surprised IHOP isn’t on the list. I went there for the first time in probably 15 years all because of the $10 coupon in the mail. There were two other diners at 2pm. As soon as I tasted my food, which was chicken pesto crepes, no wonder why. The pesto clashed with the overly sweet crepes. $15 for that disappointment? No more IHOP for us, even with another coupon luring us back! We have been eating out rarely since the pandemic. The food is overly salty or sweet, and the prices do not justify it. Also, stuffing yourself at a buffet is not cute; for example, food at run-of-the-mill Chinese buffets is atrocious anyway. I would rather spend my hard-earned money on quality mom-and-pop restaurants both in the hometown and in my travels.

[@prd004.2]

IHOP was on another one of these lists I saw a couple weeks ago

[@mutteringmale]

Jims is still pretty good.

[@adotintheshark4848]

the three around my area all are busy

[@904eb]

Five Guys are way too expensive, i can cook my own Waygu burger for what they are charging.

[@mutteringmale]

Like vodka, I can do a blind taste test and bet you money I can make you not know which is which. Most people are morons who think that paying more for anything makes it better; oldest scam in the book.

[@montanaminck2226]

LET THEM ALL GO OUT OF BUSINESS AND START OVER....STOP SPENDING YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY FOR NOTHING AND STRESS!!

[@rickjensen2833]

AMEN!!!

[@lilblackduc7312]

People need to learn to cook for themselves.

[@ecrusch]

amen

[@willk7184]

@@lilblackduc7312The problem is to do it properly takes so much time. Shopping, prepping, cooking, saving leftovers, cleaning. And if you want fairly fresh food you have to do that almost every day. Hard to do when you're working all day, commuting back and forth, running other errands, etc.

[@lilblackduc7312]

@@willk7184 Suggestion: Use "Meal Kits" like 'all in one' Fajita, stir-fry, even Velveeta Skillets, etc. That way, you're at least staying practiced in cooking & assembling component parts of a main dish???

[@HerseySyntheticOil]

My wife and I are finding that local independent restaurants are ones we can depend on for good food and service. The chain restaurants you mentioned like Dennys and Wafflehouse especially in the cities are failing. The independents do a much better job of taking care of their help. Hulls seafood in Ormond beach and Grills which serves seafood are in Orlando, Cape Canaveral and Melbourne are all great restaurants and do a great job. The Darden chain owns Longhorn Steak House and we've found them to do a very good job as well.

[@stephenmorring3370]

I was surprised on a recent visit to Japan that I was able to eat out for a fair amount less than in the U.S. The prices on the menu are exactly what you pay -- the taxes are already included and no tipping in Japan. I was able to eat a healthy breakfast including a salted filet of salmon, beef and onion sauteed in soy, miso soup, rice, and a small salad for about $5. I had upscale deep-fried pork cutlet with all you can eat rice, picked veggies, and miso soup for about $10. Even cheaper eating if you buy a sandwich or salad at a convenience store. I wouldn't have believed it when I lived there 30 years ago that it would ever be more expensive to eat out in the U.S. than Japan.

[@justicedemocrat9357]

There's definitely tipping in japan you're just a douchebag who don't tip.

[@dadbodincorporated4411]

Walked in 5 guys and saw A hamburger was 10.75. I walked out.

[@stevestevens502]

😆

[@kushkingla7385]

That’s just the burger. Try buying a meal with fries and a drink.

[@dannydaw59]

Olive Garden has a lunch menu with a bunch of $10.99 items on it. It's a lot of food for that price. Soup or salad & breadsticks come with it.

[@dadbodincorporated4411]

@@kushkingla7385 exactly! another three dollars for fries. By the time you get a drink, pay tax, it’s seventeen bucks.

[@floswason8776]

Even McDonald’s $5 for a shake and god only knows what they are putting in the food better to buy your own fresh food and eat at home

[@gonefishing3644]

No surprises here. I prefer local "mom and pop" restaurants that serve meals made from fresh ingredients and that make the kinds of entrees I cannot easily make at home. So, I have a favorite BBQ restaurant for smoked meat and traditional sides like collard greens and fried okra and a favorite Mexican restaurant where I can get a jumbo bacon, cheese and egg breakfast burrito with salsa made fresh that morning and at low cost. But mostly I save money by cooking most of my meals at home from scratch using frugal ingredients.

[@localppc242]

Fresh ingredients, lol

[@williebennett7803]

Never gobackfiveguy

[@justicedemocrat9357]

Why can't you easily make it at home?

[@gonefishing3644]

@@justicedemocrat9357 I do prepare most of my meals at home. But some things I do not want to make at home -- such as fried chicken which would leave the house smelling like grease for days. Other times, such as holidays and birthdays, I just want to dine out and I can afford to do so.

[@noogman]

Nothing new here. Everytime inflation has hit America, restaurants take a dive. It's almost like they expect it. I only eat at home, yes it's a pain, washing dishes and all that, but I have a lot better idea of what I am eating when I am the one who cooked it.

[@elonever.2.071]

Same here. Anymore the only thing I eat out is Mexican once in a while and a sausage, egg & cheese sandwich on ww. I don't like how they cook anything else around here.

[@billr3654]

It's interesting to see that companies think the way to increase success is by cutting back employees, offerings, and lowering quality. "We're doing bad. Let's making everything worse!"

[@GoonSquadLifeMember]

Typical school of thought for those with MBAs (Mediocre But Arrogant).

[@justicedemocrat9357]

As opposed to what, do nothing or increase portions and increase costs even more?

[@Zindo.Majesty.HisMajesty]

It’s been 8 days since the last collapse started. I was needing a fresh doom and gloom video.

[@kushkingla7385]

Every month

[@williamzander4732]

Now it's Food joints not Walgreens 😂😂😂

[@thehighllama8101]

According to this channel, by now there shouldn't be any place left where people can eat or shop.

[@blue81blue81]

LMAO

[@wyldebill4178]

Little Caesars pizza is worse than a high school cafeteria

[@laid07]

but their calzones cannot be beat.

[@pokemercenary6511]

I always loved their square pizza. It’s a guilty pleasure.

[@LilRed90skid]

It’s not that bad lol

[@rodrickwilliams5306]

I used to work for them and I concur with your statement

[@wyldebill4178]

@@LilRed90skid ok equal to

[@robgray7019]

Kaptain Kanada here, was in the business for 17 yrs. Sure mismanagement can be blamed for some failings, the reality is many places operate on as low as 10% margin. You will do it because you borrowed your mother inlaws money, you sold your car, your guitars, cashed out your RRSP. In a last ditch you will jack the prices, go broke and hang yourself or move to another state and hope collectors and bounty hunters don't find you. "HE DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO RUN A BURGER JOINT, BAR, DINING ROOM etc". Virtually guarantees you will go broke, old joke: How do you come out of the food/drink biz with a small fortune? Start with a large fortune. Do not do it unless it's just for fun and you can afford to lose that money.

[@malachi-]

Reminded me of an old one... the only time a woman ever made a man a millionaire, was when he was a billionaire, first.

[@gplunk]

A guy I worked with in the business many years ago had a great quote: "I could make more money handing out hundred dollar bills on the street corner". I didn't dare disagree....

[@blue81blue81]

Exactly. No idea why anyone would open a restaurant. The hours are killer and the profit margin razor thin. Although Bobby Flay seems to be doing ok. haha. Starbucks got it right. Small venue. Sell a cup of coffee for $4-5 that costs 25 cents to poor. A scone for $3.50 that costs 30 cents. And make people feel cool about hanging out at your store. Brilliant !

[@gplunk]

Looks like Starbucks is starting to feel the 'pinch' from all their competitors; and maybe people tired of paying 6-8 bucks for a mediocre cup of joe or other bev blend. The 'cool' factor only goes so far to mitigate guest disgruntlement; especially if they can get a better product elsewhere. They need to 'up their game' imo; and get back to basics....

[@blue81blue81]

@@gplunk Agreed. I was referring more to their heyday in the 90's and early 2000's. You are right the shine has come off the Starbucks coffee mug as we knew it. It's uncanny how smart people screw up great things. They over expanded. Had they not seen businesses make that fundimental error again and again ??? They opened waaay too many stores and in the process lost control of product quality and staff management. So dumb. The once mighty Starbucks is not nearly what it was but the initial business model and plan was genius.

[@NRecob]

I was recently in Paris & Barcelona & it was cheaper to go to the market & eat out at restaurants there than here in the US in a small town in NW Georgia! Prices have gotten stupidly high over the last 3 years....

[@danoalex2977]

Went to 5 guys, 20 for burger and fries, won’t be going back it just isn’t worth that much

[@Christdeliverme]

Plus don't forget the tip! You're a bad person if you don't press that auto 10-20% "suggestion'

[@willk7184]

@@Christdeliverme The tipping thing has gotten ridiculous. I have to tip someone for handing me a bag through a drive-thru lane and then didn't even ask if I want ketchup?

[@ecrusch]

My son and I had a relatively small meal at McDonald's and were shocked when the bill came to over $24.00! That is what I would have expected to pay at a sit-down restaurant. We used to get the same McDonald's meal a few years back after going to a movie, and it was usually about 13 to 15 dollars. No more eating out until prices come WAY down.

[@chrismalinowski654]

Prices wont ever go down. 10 years before you got the meal for 13-15 dollars, it was 8-10 dollars, 10 years before that it was 5-6 dollars. Thats just how inflation works

[@realtruther2631]

only sheep eat McDonald's gmo..full of antibiotic meat!!😂😂😂3😂😂😂😂3😂

[@frankl2639]

@@chrismalinowski654 - The more likely scenario is that McDonald’s will close more and more restaurants as people continue to boycott them with their wallets.

[@spacemcduffy]

@@realtruther2631sheep drive cheap vans as well

[@localppc242]

Damn, what kind of meal you getting at McDonald’s that cost that much for 2 people?

[@oobrocks]

Dear channel; I like the narrator and chapters…therefore I’ve subscribed 😊

[@pgbrown12084]

Part of Dairy Queens charm for me, oddly enough, was the wait. I could actually see them putting my burger patties on the hot grill, prepping tge sandwich while the cashier made an oreo blizzard. Now they just kinda seem like every other fast food chain... and the the food quality reflects that.

[@almdrs]

This is the problem: every time you go to one of those restaurants you have an army of zombies begging for tips. The multi-billion dollar companies can't pay their employees decent wages and expect the customers to tip them.

[@dannydaw59]

I experienced that lately. When I picked up a to go order at Applebee's and Olive Garden the dudes who brought the food out to my car wanted a tip. The Applebee's guy said I had to sign the slip but I paid in the app. The slip had a line for the tip.

[@StephenDoty84]

An army of zombies, I might add, with nose rings, dyed hair, odd arm tattoos, and of unknown gender...

[@docula9153]

I swiped your credit card and then handed you a bag with the wrong order of cold food I should be rewarded about 25% lol ridiculous.

[@rickjensen2833]

100% agree

[@user-zp7jp1vk2i]

@@StephenDoty84 and haven't washed their hands since handling their iPhone Sex while on their smoke /toke break. I watch for this in Pubs: it's disgusting even though our Province enforces the Food Act fairly well.

[@thehonorablejiveturkeyspoo6370]

If your food is good you survive. If your food turns bad say bye bye. Nuff said

[@keithgrandstaff6343]

True of the chains, but not necessarily the mom and pop places. The masses are asses and will gravitate to big names and let their entrepreneurial neighbors starve.

[@currentsitguy]

Mostly yes, but location matters too.

[@StephenDoty84]

Thank you, Gordon Ramsey.

[@tsully4387]

Incorrect mr. simpleton, your Wrong, Nuff said.

[@teddystoner8288]

I'll eat hotdogs till my mid 80s. Then is it time or my food choices that ends my suffering.

[@donnaallen9863]

Olive Garden is fast food. They dont really prepare anything on site, just heat up commissary food. It used to be so much better. I cant justify paying $20 for a meal there.

[@malachi-]

Pasta is so cheap, it is a crime to charge those kind of prices for such a simple, easy to make, food.

[@blackhannahofficial]

I always believed the 'food business' was tough, but you're right, I'm SUPER sad 😢 to hear about Baskins Robins Ice cream 🍦🍨

[@lindawoody8501]

Last month we vacationed in West Yellowstone, MT and in that tourist town had a large scoop of ice cream in a waffle sugar cone and it came to only $3.00! Imagine. That was regular price at the truck type stand on a corner there. No name brand but delicious!

[@whiplash1938]

My wife and I made a conscious decision five years ago about eating out. We eat at home (child free) and take turns preparing our meals. Absolutely do not miss restaurant cuisine and surly, unappreciative (many times) wait staff and management. We estimate that our savings has been well above $10,000.00, which has paid for annual adult only all-inclusive resort vacations. Do not miss the over priced meals and bar drinks in our home town.

[@geebrewer8186]

you can buy a lot of groceries to make a great meal yourself for what it costs for one meal out now

[@docula9153]

Adult only resort is the way to do it I would lose my mind at regular one with shitty parents/children making you regret your vacation

[@markmunroe-hz8rf]

I too am trying to eat out less and bring to work home cooked meals.

[@tomfilipiak3511]

Sir,my wife andI ,are 75 years old,there are still,local places we can get good take out here in the Chicago area,that won’t,burn a hole in you wallet!Just look!!!

[@adotintheshark4848]

surly and totally clueless. Half the time they don't get the order right.

[@619R3D]

Tried 5 guys 1 time bought 3 cheeseburger combo meals at $65 plus dollars!!!!! NEVER AGAIN!!!! They deserve to go under!!! That price is BULLSHIT!!!

[@Ira88881]

I went once for the first time, like 5 years ago, and couldn’t believe how expensive it was. And not even good. Never again.

[@tomnisen3358]

The burgers are doubles at Five Guys

[@tomnisen3358]

Great fries

[@619R3D]

@@tomnisen3358 yeah what's ur point????

[@619R3D]

@@tomnisen3358 it's hamburgers guy!!!!! Did u not catch the part where I said 3 fuckin hamburgers cost over $65 fuckin bucks???? Doubles u say??? So the fuck what dude!!!!! Who are u Bill Gates???!!!

[@Trumpetjoe40]

Every restaurant is way too expensive for what they provide.

[@lindapadilla8393]

We went out to dinner quite a bit, but now it’s eating at home the norm!

[@theswampangel3635]

I’ll gladly trade a dozen of these plastic low quality chain locations for on local family operated restaurant.

[@laid07]

I would too, unless that family operated restaurant complied with covid restrictions and mandates.

[@JockstrapsSaveLives]

👏🏼 👏🏼

[@MrEtovam]

do not comply with Democrat covid bull shit @@laid07

[@user-zp7jp1vk2i]

The DESIGN of the new const. in housing area prevents that: only major franchises are welcome. mom and pop rest. need not apply. It's particularly obvious in a city like Calgary, the only American city outside the UsA.

[@gulfgypsy]

There was a time not that long ago when a monthly trip to Golden Corral, Ruby Tuesday's or Texas Roadhouse was not unusual for my husband and I. Granted he passed away a few years ago, but I would still go to lunch perhaps every other month with a couple of my neighbors. We stopped that last year because of the price increases. We're all older women and watch our budgets and to be honest, sometimes just being able to share a meal out with friends was a treat - Now that's off the table (pardon the pun)

[@wendyeskelin8765]

I totally agree, it adds up quickly. You could take turns cooking and meeting at each others homes if you're up for it. Due to a lot of food allergies eating out is quite difficult and we had instead been taking turns hosting with friends for years. But in the last few years the prices have gone astronomical. I watch the store circulars for the sales each week. ( esp for meats ) Ribeye's that used to go on sale for around 12.99 or 13.99 were now on sale for 22.99. I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your husband!

[@gulfgypsy]

@@wendyeskelin8765 I suggested that but a couple of the ladies never had been one to actually 'cook' - How they managed to get through life without knowing how to do much more than make coffee, toast and open soup cans is amazing! I tried to keep the spirit of it going by baking something every few weeks --- Pie, coffee cake, cookies and just taking a plate to them and chatting. But lately I think folks are beginning to feel overwhelmed, anxious and generally nervous --- I don't blame them --- but I just try to find things that make me smile and keep moving forward. Be blessed!

[@julianorris6992]

I'm sorry for your loss. Try a potluck lunch to continue the memories with friends

[@yostaustin]

I liked the pun!

[@boristheamerican2938]

Im voting republican so social security and medicare are a thing of the past and my paycheck wil get bigger by not having coin stolen from me.

[@BaahBen]

When you are paying $15 a hour for unskilled help, menu prices must go up. I would never go back to McDonalds' after their new prices. Great fries.....Outrageous prices for them.

[@sammoore9120]

Thanks Joe

[@maryannpiccirilli454]

We ate at 5 guys and it was over $30 for 2 burgers, a fry and a drink 😳😳😳😳😳

[@disturbingthepiece2788]

People really need to stop supporting the over priced restaurants and fast food chains. Prices have become ridiculous. VPs and CEOs are drastically over paid with outrageous bonuses instead of keeping prices affordable and paying employees. We have got to stop spending. That is also the only way interest rates and insurance will go back down.

[@dgc0120]

Sorry, but t interest rates will NOT go lower because you won’t patronize restaurants. Interest rates are skyrocketing as a direct result of the federal government printing of fiat currency - dollars - out of thin air, debasing the value of whatever money you have.

[@nixon2tube]

@@dgc0120 You're both wrong. You're thinking of inflation, not interest rates. The increasing of interest rates is to keep the inflation down. It's not really working, and my going theory on that is the corporate executives are colluding to increase prices in as many places as possible in the hope that they can get everyone to blame the politicians, when they really have no control over it because they want a different set of politicians in office that will bend the knee. The hope is that will happen before the business fail due to lack of paying customers. That's the point of the colluding: Keep people from having enough choices and maybe they'll patronize your overprices business. From the comments around here, that strategy is starting to fail.

[@peterkennedey9869]

You can thank the government leadership for all this.

[@susanbeckham7236]

You are right!!!!

[@redfaux74]

FJB It is a design to destroy America. And it's working.

[@MultiKatieBee]

Prices have increased and food quality has decreased. No thanks.

[@77loneranger]

Restaurant prices have soared and are an indicator of real world (not government lies) inflation rates.

[@77jaycube69]

Most of the places listed were decent for the prices they were charging. But at the prices they are charging now and the lower quality food, I've chose to stop going to any of them.

[@willk7184]

This is what gets me. I'm fine paying a big price if I get good food, good service, and filled up. But they're going to overcharge me AND give me lousy food served by thoughtless employees? Nope.

[@user-dj4pq1sh6o]

What about Subway? They're expensive af.

[@docula9153]

Lot of money for a freaking ham sandwich. Bread, ham, cheese, 12 dollars please. Oh and don't forget the tip I spent 20 seconds building that sandwich and I even kind of washed my hands first.

[@willk7184]

They were lousy back when the subs were half the price. I don't know why anyone would go there nowadays.

[@ajandwillow]

life is all about choosing your subway sandwich and ordering it everytime you go back, their food is delicious to me!

[@noneofurbusiness5223]

Coupons

[@vanfairbanks7389]

I don't think this guy knows what he's talking about. You pick out 15 large restaurant chains, you're bound you get one right

[@petuniasevan]

In the last couple of years this thriving area has lost Outback Steakhouse, Bennigans, Famous Dave's, Bucco di Beppo, 2 locations of Wendy's, 3 Burger Kings, and of course many local restaurants.

[@carlosvaldivia2985]

Just went to 5 guys in California and ordered 3 burgers and fries and paid $58 !! 😮😮😮

[@docula9153]

I just went to 5 guys and ordered 2 burgers and fries and paid $72 !! 😮😮😮

[@docula9153]

Then I went again and ordered 1 burger and fry and it was $106

[@ajandwillow]

@docula9153 what five guys have you been going to? 🤣

[@TX_Zoo]

@@ajandwillow he ordered the Troll special.

[@ChatGPT1111]

I went to 5 Guys and just got the small fry. Had to mortgage the house, sell a kidney and take my dog to the pound.

[@kenolson3064]

I love to cook at home. It's just me and my wife now. But I have learned to Quickly make high quality food for just the two of us. We are eating healthier than we ever have in our lives. I Tried to have a glazed buttermilk doughnut the other day. I felt sick all day I just can't eat crap food anymore.

[@JamesBrown-db9pk]

right on bro me to

[@renegademind1833]

Yup, me too.. I buy organic food, haven't eaten out for yrs, now.

[@NuNugirl]

It’s the best way to eat and enjoy each other while doing it. My Sons are now doing the same thing you guys are. I ask them for their recipes.

[@kclarke2971]

Sincere congratulations. I'm with you. Home cooked is best,

[@matthewmckee9914]

I always thought that we have just too many restaurants to choose from, unfortunately some will just fall away in time, its just not sustainable period.

[@ronaldzent6321]

Here in California, Gavin Newsom just signed a bill for fast food workers to get $20 per hr starting next April 1. Didn't mention Jack in the Box or, McDonald's, both have gotten too expensive. Inflation is ravaging the economy overall. Not just food prices. Chain restaurants have always seemed to have lower quality food for the most part.

[@johnmaxwell4072]

I spent 50 years in the restaurant business, working every position from scrubbing pots to owner/operator, in every type of restaurant from food trucks and sandwich shops to fine dining and private clubs. So, you see how much your grocery bill has gone up in last two years? Utilities? Insurance? Now, add a labor market that no t only wants top pay, but doesn’t really want to work to begin with. The recession is here folks, and it’s going to be a long one. Thanks Brandon.

[@cheftomsd]

COVID brought on the recession not Biden. The President has very little influence over prices. Companies lost money as sales tanked so once people started buying again they hiked their prices to recover the profit they lost. Increases are beyond reasonable. This is the ugly side of capitalism, never leave a cent on the table. The only thing that matters is showing a bigger profit year after year.

[@jeptoungrit9000]

many of these restaurants are low to mid -range quality, so they cater to a middle class or lower customer base, but their prices keep rising faster than the wages of that base. The people who can afford to eat at a Golden Corral don't want to eat at a Golden Corral so they have no choice but go out of business.

[@chrismalinowski654]

If they just keep prices the same then they wont have to worry about going outta business

[@jeptoungrit9000]

@@chrismalinowski654 inflation. Their employees want more money and their suppliers want more money for the food. Their business model is now unworkable.

[@justicedemocrat9357]

I'm poor and I can afford to eat at golden corral.

[@jeptoungrit9000]

@@justicedemocrat9357 If you are poor then you're choosing to waste your money eating at golden corral, and bad decisions like that may explain why you're poor.

[@Bob_just_Bob]

Out of all those there are only a couple I would be sad to hear of their passing. I would miss Five Guys & DQ the most, then Denny's and Friendlys

[@markwagner4909]

There was a friendly’s in our town, one night closing up three of the workers was shot to death. They never did find the shooter(s) and folks demanded the building be razed

[@tonymars1093]

What city was this in? What year?

[@markwagner4909]

@@tonymars1093 it happened in Whitehall Ohio Not sure of the date maybe around 1989

[@tonymars1093]

@@markwagner4909 In small communities that can leave quite a mark on the town. Robberies and murders happen every day but in a small community it can be very difficult to get over. Chances are people would not have continued to patronize the establishment. I grew up in a small town and know how that can be. I was raised in a small town in Pennsylvania. I live in San Diego now. It is amazing how things like that traumatize a small community and in a big city, life goes on. Thanks for the reply!

[@bs5583]

I remember for less 4 bucks you have a mcdonalds combo meal

[@docula9153]

I would say about 20 years ago at this point

[@angelarthrasher]

You def can still get that combo meal for under $4!!!!!.....I mean in a kid's happy meal but still a combo of hamburger, fries, drink and a toy (or apples slices).

[@timothymaxey2075]

When I worked at McDonald's, a Big Mac, small fry and medium Coke was $1.46.

[@WolfgangKrauser77]

I spent 10 dollars at Burger King just for large drink large fries and a whopper! FJB!!

[@guytech7310]

BK still is operating. I stopped eating there decades ago when they all there meat is fake (mostly pink slime & fillers).

[@dimitriberozny3729]

@@guytech7310And a horse meat blend in Canada and other countries.

[@docula9153]

@@guytech7310 BK by me had some of the worst food but to be fair the people "working" there had a lot to do with it.

[@frankrossi1767]

FDT

[@dimitriberozny3729]

@@frankrossi1767 Typographical error!!

[@marypatten9655]

5 guys sounds like the place to eat 3 times a day for 7 days if you are sick. Thank you for sharing God bless

[@donmarek7001]

Around 20 years ago, I remember a Subway #1 and a Whataburger #1 (burger, fries, drink) both being around $4. Prices now for those same items are 2 to 3 times more. I can hit a taqueria place with a full plate for a similar price and do better for myself if I get it to go.

[@airmanma]

Greedy companies deserve to go out of business for the prices they charge.

[@ct87gn25]

That's coming my friend, that's coming.....

[@lisadobbie7109]

Take the stoic attitude: I can't control everyting that happens, but I can control my response.

[@martinschulz9381]

The economy or not having money in their pockets has nothing to to with it. The eating trends cross North America are rapidly changing from large restaurant chains to local eateries, restaurants, brew pubs, regional chains, and food trucks. These local places have their own unique food and personalities and the business is booming. People are also increasingly learning that many large chains like Olive Garden and Applybees are just warming up pre prepared food in microwaves.

[@ct87gn25]

You say "The economy or not having money in their pockets has nothing to to with it"??? Seriously?? MOST PEOPLE are living paycheck to paycheck and can no longer afford to eat out like they used to. That's a fact. And the big chains haven't figured it out yet. But they sure will soon and are in fact beginning to realize that now.

[@justicedemocrat9357]

What's a brew pubs? Is that a coffee store?

[@martinschulz9381]

@@justicedemocrat9357 Brew Pubs are everywhere. They are small mini craft beer breweries and eateries that serve their own unique beer and food. They are fun places to go as the owners really have their heats in them.

[@allthingsharbor]

Sadly, yes, and the brew pubs and food trucks are more expensive than the other restaurants. It's not about quality, either. I think it is just about being trendy for social media.

[@allthingsharbor]

Brew pubs sell beer and ales made in house. Food is like a side item to meet local zoning restrictions, in some areas. And like all bars, the quality of the food is not important. @@justicedemocrat9357

[@julieann5196]

You could have fooled me about Texas Roadhouse. Here in WI every time you go in there you have to wait an hour for seating and that's in the middle of the week. Golden Corral I can see, their food is pretty gross.

[@heystarfish100]

The local Texas Roadhouse business is constantly booming. People are still lining up outside before they open and the parking lot is full past closing time.

[@mutteringmale]

Yup. Value for money.

[@redfaux74]

Best place ever!!! ❤

[@stephaniewheeler4626]

Ours too! We love Texas roadhouse ❤

[@noneofurbusiness5223]

Yuk @ least in VaBch. French fries cold, steak had grizzled through out.

[@heystarfish100]

@@noneofurbusiness5223 Did you accept that or did you send it back? The manager isn’t happy when his/her customers are not happy. They will make sure that the food you receive is the best quality when you are served.

[@babergill2890]

I was eating with my family at Olive Garden and the bill was $279.00 and the bill includes tax and mandatory tip gratuity. Too much money my friend $279 😡

[@wendyeskelin8765]

How many people were at your table? I really hate mandatory tipping, because I think it just promotes poor service. A lot of times the mandatory is 15% where as I think a lot of people would give 20% or more but are so irritated by the mandatory nature that they just leave it at 15%

[@catw6998]

Indeed.

[@catw6998]

@babergill2890 Indeed.

[@catw6998]

@@wendyeskelin8765 True. Once the server knows this,!what is their incentive now?

[@willk7184]

@@wendyeskelin8765 Tipping should be abolished anyway. I find it insulting I'm expected to pay extra for something which should already come with the up-front cost I'm paying.

[@Agislife1960]

Ive never seen the big deal with Olive garden's food, it's all pasta spaghetti and bread with very little meat, women seem to love that place, but for that kinda money Im gonna eat a steak.

[@fasst5511]

Texas Roadhouse's here are always packed and sometimes have as much as an hour wait to get a table.

[@scottperine9820]

Good, lets take things back to the mom an pops operations where they hire good people who care about their business and their employees. Good old fashioned businesses personal and professionally run.

[@PoeLemic]

For eating out, I'm only doing coupons or very low-priced items at fast food. Restaurants are just TOO EXPENSIVE now. I can just go to KZbin and watch "How to Cook" videos, and I'm learning how to just cook everything at home. You can cook Olive Garden and many other restaurants at home, and it's probably ONE FIFTH or ONE SIXTH price at home. So, $16 dollar meals cost only TWO BUCKS (or so) at home.

[@geebrewer8186]

and invest in a good slow cooker, I use my slow cooker all winter long. On YT, there are videos on how to make just about anything in a slow cooker

[@elizabethcox555]

The Quiznos that used to be in the Subway level of Mayo Clinic is Rochester, MN closed between my yearly check ups. This video might shed some light on why.

[@gregg5958]

Covid changed a lot of things and many of these chains were on the ropes long before that with many of them horribly mismanaged. Other ones just could not evolve with the times fast enough and their concept became outdated. Additionally many people are eating different now and bored of the choices these chains offered and are looking for something different. I’m most sad about Ruby Tuesdays as it always had excellent food when I was traveling around the country. Denny’s is an interesting case because its problems extend back all the way into the 1980’s at least. I remember going to a Denny’s and it taking almost an hour before they even took our order!! The Denny’s by me is a total contrast to that though…excellent food, fairly good service, and a very nice patio (two actually) that they constructed in more recent years. They do run out of things sometimes though, but I think they will survive.

[@northmaineguy5896]

I was born in Springfield, MA in 1955 and remember Friendly's well. Their signature things were the Awful Awful (milkshake), "awful big, awful good" and the banana split. The were bought out by Hershey back in the 1980's and that was the end of Friendly's as I knew it. I was a stockholder and I finally dumped it. S. P. Drake, the co-founder with his brother, just died in 2021 at 106! I took guitar lessons a couple doors down from the original Friendly's in Pine Point in Springfield.

[@dimitriberozny3729]

The original family tried to buy the company back but it didn’t go as well as it should have.

[@StephenDoty84]

And I used to go to the Friendly's in Swampscott, Mass, at Vinnin Square, in the 1960's & '70s. It was always crowded, a popular hang-out back then, back when Howard Johnson's was around and had good ice cream too.

[@btcbob11392]

Friendly's use to make a great cheeseburger back in the day.

[@deborahgroff1673]

Newport Creamery had the awful awful not friendlys

[@dimitriberozny3729]

@@deborahgroff1673 Friendly’s had Fribble which was the equivalent of the Awful Awful.

[@joegrahe3958]

My last visit to Cracker Barrel in Valdosta Ga about 5 years ago. Literally had to hit the next 3 rest stops on I-75 north...

[@arwyn1025]

Ate at a Cracker Barrel in Ohio and my son got food poisoning from a fish dinner. Ate at a Cracker Barrel in Michigan a year ago August and 4 of us got Covid. I’m done with Cracker Barrel.

[@docula9153]

@@arwyn1025 Damn cracker barrel and there covid food at it again

[@arwyn1025]

@@docula9153 Ha! Ha! Good one. I didn’t want to mention that the food was bad. I’m pretty sure the cook or someone else working in the kitchen was sick, as the bacon was burnt and the pancakes were falling apart and gross. It was the only place we went after lockdown.

[@albertteng1191]

Olive garden and texas roadhouse just opened in the phils last year and so far theyre killing it. There are lines forming outside. They already have at least 5 branches within the city alone. Panda express master franchise is bought by jollibee and so far panda express has over 12 branches and growing. Although personally, i wouldnt eat at panda o oten coz price is too expensive for the food they serve since there are plenty of chinese restaurants nearby that serves authentic chinese food for far far less. Panda is more of a novelty

[@mutteringmale]

5 guys opened up a mediocre hamburger restaurant and got lots of financing from ijiots, then they all thought they, the five, should all be multimillionaires overnight because they're special, wonderful and have racks and racks of participation awards. How they've lasted this long is beyond me.

[@dimitriberozny3729]

A Five Guys franchise is VERY demanding!! They make their restaurant franchise owners do a remodel every 3 years!! And their prices are very HIGH for their products!!

[@paulprophetburkes8736]

Mr. Epic-i used to order from Five Guys. On my last order, i FOUND A LONG, NASTY WHITE HAIR off of someone's head in my hamburger, THE FRENCH FRIES HAD BLACK HAIR AND LINT ON THEM. From working in the food industry, i could tell this food was dropped on the floor and continued to be cooked. THAT WAS OVER THREE YEARS AGO, AND I'VE NEVER ORDERED ANYTHING FROM THEM SINCE! i fix all my food at home now.

[@thehighllama8101]

I used to work next to a Del Taco in California. They would prepare the food without gloves. I mean, they would use a utensil when putting the meat on the tacos, but they would use their hands when scooping up the lettuce and cheese. But I worked the late shift and it was right next to my job. So, I still ate there. Never got sick except for two major cases of diarrhea.

[@rodneyking4183]

Taco Bell still has $5 meals, but I remember when I was in the Navy, stationed at Naval Submarine Base Bangor in Silverdale, Washington 1993 to 1996, tacos and bean burritos were 49 cents each and a large drink was $1. Now it's much much more.

[@davidhorne2326]

Marked them off my list after a recent visit. $$$$$

[@CRuf-qw4yv]

The Chinese knew what would happen when they released COVID. China was on the brink of financial collapse and facing revolution by younger citizens demanding democracy.

[@danafoote4528]

yes fuck 5 guys, place is Highway robbery.....

[@thomascurran6186]

I grew up eating Jersey Mikes from the original store. Now the sandwich has the same taste but much smaller, less meat and way more expensive