Food prices have increasingly caught the attention of consumers over the years, yet the expense of dining at a well-liked eatery has surged by nearly 100 percent since 2020.
FinanceBuzz, a financial resources website Recently gathered information from 16 quick-service restaurant brands that are well-liked across the United States.
The experts determined that every chain analyzed in their study saw substantial price hikes from 2020 to 2025; however, one distinguished itself among the others.
'From 2020 through 2025, the inflation "The rate in the U.S. increased by 22 percent," stated the findings.
'During the same period, the typical price hike at 16 well-known fast-food chains was almost double, reaching about 42 percent.'
Nevertheless, it's the quick-service favorite. Waffle House This resulted in an approximate 96 percent growth, as per the provided data.
IHOP closely followed the heels of the Georgia-based restaurant chain, with research indicating that its average prices increased by 82 percent.
Two of the most affected breakfast chains during this national crisis have been Waffle House and IHOP. eggflation .
Soaring egg costs and scarcity are merely two elements contributing to this national emergency.
In light of the ongoing decrease in egg supply, Waffle House opted to introduce alternatives. 50-cent per egg surcharge throughout all its menus starting from February 3.
The breakfast chain clarified in their statement that they opted for adding the surcharge rather than raising the prices across all menu items.
Nevertheless, the prices at Waffle House for dishes such as hash browns and coffee have significantly increased over the past several years.
Customers now pay $4.20 for a serving of hash browns, up from $1.95 previously. This year, the cost of coffee has risen to $3.15, compared to $1.80 in 2020.
Denny's, experiencing a 36 percent average price hike from 2020 to 2025, emulated Waffle House’s approach by introducing items they believe will be successful. 'temporary' egg surcharge later that month.
Even with the egg inflation issue, IHOP and other restaurants on the list such as Cracker Barrel have chosen not to include the extra charge for the additional egg.
"At Cracker Barrel, we believe that genuine Southern charm is just as crucial as serving up a satisfying meal — which is why we refrain from adding extra charges for eggs," the restaurant stated in a February 2025 announcement.
The third highest average price increase of just 46 percent was observed at Texas Roadhouse.
Well-known restaurants such as TGI Fridays, Applebee's, Cheesecake Factory, and Hooters were included due to their pricing increases of between 40% and 45%.
Those experiencing price hikes ranging from 26 to 29 percent include establishments like Longhorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden, and Chili's.
I believe many Americans won’t find it shocking to discover that restaurant prices have gone up," said Chris Lewis, who leads digital public relations at FinanceBuzz. "However, people might experience sticker shock once they compare today’s prices with those from just a couple of years back. Food & Wine .
For many years, customers have experienced rising costs, yet subtle increases of merely 50 cents each time can be difficult to detect or comprehend.
Even with the listing, fast-casual restaurant chains experienced a significant decline in sales over the past year, and Hooters is now gearing up to file for bankruptcy. bankruptcy .
Even though the future remains uncertain, experts anticipate that sales will continue. dropping , and its growth will essentially remain flat when adjusted for real values."
| Restaurant | Average Price Increase | Largest Single-Item Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Waffle House | 96 percent | Grilled Chicken Biscuit: 150% |
| IHOP | 82 percent | 2x2x2 combo: 129 percent |
| Texas Roadhouse | 46 percent | Kids' Macaroni and Cheese meal: 63 percent |
| TGI Fridays | 45 percent | Spicy Chicken with Cheese: 62 percent |
| Applebee's | 41 percent | Chicken Wonton Tacos: 57 percent |
| Cheesecake Factory | 40 percent | Classic Burger: 46 percent |
| Hooters | 40 percent | New England Clam Chowder: 55 percent |
| Chili's | 39 percent | Crunchy Chipotle-Honey Snacks: 47 percent |
| Denny's | 36 percent | Create Your Own Grand Slam: 63 Percent |
| Cracker Barrel | 35 percent | Cracker Barrel Sampler: 52 percent |
| Red Lobster | 34 percent | Chocolate Wave and Bar Harbor Lobster Bake: 46 percent |
| Olive Garden | 30 percent | Chicken Alfredo: 40 percent |
| Outback Steakhouse | 29 percent | Grilled Shrimp with Wood Fire on the Barbie: 43 Percent |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | 29 percent | Classic Style Wings: 41 percent |
| BJ's Brewhouse | 26 percent | BJ's Classic Wings: 36 percent |
| Longhorn Steakhouse | 26 percent | Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Children's Meal: 40 percent |
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