The holding companies of major, national casual-dining chains including Darden, Dine Brands and Brinker International are claiming increases in traffic that they attribute to consumers shifting patronage from quick service restaurants.  Over a 12-month period, full service menu prices have increased by 3.5 percent compared to 4.5 percent for food ordered at a counter or kiosk, Food at home has increased in the 1 to 2 percent range suggesting fewer restaurant meals and more “brown bagging”.

Adverse publicity directed at QSRs emphasizing higher costs for regular items is refuted by chains including McDonald’s.  Joe Erlinger in Congressional testimony confirmed that menu prices for his company have increased on average by 40 percent since 2019.  Concern over high prices and declining traffic has resulted in the three leading QSR chains now offering value meals.