2 August 2024
Americans are adjusting their dining habits in response to ongoing inflation, with many opting to cook at home rather than eat out. While grocery prices have increased by 1.1% in the past year, restaurant meal costs have risen by 4.1%. This disparity has led to a decline in sales for fast-food chains and restaurants, with McDonald’s reporting its first sales drop since the 2020 pandemic shutdowns. Consumers are now more likely to splurge on groceries for home-cooked meals rather than dining out, prompting restaurants to offer more deals and meal combos to attract customers. This shift in consumer behavior reflects the cumulative impact of price increases since mid-2020, with grocery costs up 19% and restaurant prices up 24%.