I work for a national fast casual restaurant brand (Panera Bread). As many have stated above, these price increases are mainly driven by wage pressures and more complex business models (ecommerce channels, high level of customization, etc.). Don't forget all of the COVID safety measures that are being taken (packaging everything to-go, etc.)
Food inflation really isn't all that terrible.
Also, just about everyone is forced onto the delivery platforms (Uber Eats, GrubHub, Doordash) which also cut into restaurant margins quite a bit. They definitely need the sales right now, but they aren't free!
We were always priced on the high side, particularly in the last 5 years or so, but are working on some more value-based options!
Food inflation really isn't all that terrible.
Also, just about everyone is forced onto the delivery platforms (Uber Eats, GrubHub, Doordash) which also cut into restaurant margins quite a bit. They definitely need the sales right now, but they aren't free!
We were always priced on the high side, particularly in the last 5 years or so, but are working on some more value-based options!