Kevin Roberts remembers when he could get a bacon cheeseburger, fries and a drink from Five Guys for $10. But that was years ago. When the Virginia high school teacher recently visited the fast-food chain, the food alone without a beverage cost double that amount.

Roberts, 38, now only gets fast food “as a rare treat,” he told CBS MoneyWatch. “Nothing has made me cook at home more than fast-food prices.”

Roberts is hardly alone. Many consumers are expressing frustration at the surge in fast-food prices, which are starting to scare off budget-conscious customers.

A January poll by consulting firm Revenue Management Solutions found that about 25% of people who make under $50,000 were cutting back on fast food, pointing to cost as a concern.

  • penquin
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    5 months ago

    Yeah, fuck that noise. I took my kids to Wendy’s the other day and their food was $32. Fuck off with this shit. Even fancy places charge less for two kids meals.

    • BrokenGlepnir@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      I live very close to a wendy’s. Some of my friends say they’d eat there all the time if they lived where I live. I also live walking distance from a grocery store. It’s cheaper and only takes a couple extra minutes.

      • penquin
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        5 months ago

        Making food at home is the cheapest option

    • QuarterSwede@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      I’ve literally had a cheaper bill at a full on sit down restaurant a few times now. The only time we eat at fast food anymore is if we’re traveling and it’s a quick choice.

      • penquin
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        5 months ago

        It’s fucking crazy. I don’t normally eat out, I make all of our food at home, but some times my kids ask for something.

        • QuarterSwede@lemmy.world
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          5 months ago

          Lol, I feel that. My 8 yr old loves McDonalds. The rest of us tolerate it. He got a McDonald’s gift card for his birthday and was thrilled.

    • glimse@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      At the risk of sounding like a shill…Wendy’s biggy bag is an incredible value. $5 for a sandwich, fries, 4 nugs, and a drink.

      I eat there like once a month at most but it’s the only fast food I’ll eat besides McDonald’s breakfast when I convince myself I deserve a treat (also like once monthly)

      • penquin
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        5 months ago

        I don’t know a lot about fast food, so thanks for this. I’ll ask for if when I go there next time. Kids love this place

        • glimse@lemmy.world
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          5 months ago

          It’s still fast food so don’t go in expecting a delicacy or anything but it’s pretty great for the money.

          I like the crispy chicken BLT option the best. When I’m feeling crazy I get asiago cheese on it.