13 Fast Food Chains That Are Totally Overpriced

Not even nuggets are inflation-proof, it seems. American consumers continue paying record-breaking prices, even for historically convenient and inexpensive items like chain restaurant cheeseburgers and fountain beverages.

Fast casual eateries were once quick and cheap ways to feed families. But as more brands do away with “dollar menus,” discounts, and in-app deals, drive-thru trips have become luxuries” for nearly four in five Americans.

To cut food costs, buyers lean on affordable grocers like Aldi or buy more for less at bulk retailers like Costco.

Uncontrolled inflation has Americans reevaluating their spending habits, pushing many to cut fast food from budgets entirely. If you’re hoping to make the same change, avoid these chains’ out-of-control menu prices.

Wendy’s

Wendy’s recently made headlines when the brand announced plans to institute “dynamic pricing,” which would change menu prices based on demand. This surge pricing means hungry patrons lining up on their afternoon meal break would likely pay more than they would if they ordered after the lunch rush.

While widespread consumer outrage pushed the brand to put the plan on the back burner, prices continue to deter buyers. The Baconator cost less than $5 at the time of its 2007 debut. Today, the sandwich costs nearly $12. Items on Wendy’s online menu also show plus signs next to each price, suggesting each sandwich’s already-staggering price is subject to change.

McDonald’s

In the 1950s, a McDonald’s hamburger cost customers a cool $0.15. Now, the same chain charges more than that for extra dipping sauce. Today, a single hash brown runs buyers around $3.

Once synonymous with affordability and convenience, the brand no longer prioritizes either. McDonald’s’ U.S. website doesn’t show menu prices at all, instead recommending that customers download their app for further information.

Panera

In the aughts, fast casual fave Panera served as a convenient cafe alternative, peddling pastries and assorted coffees to the tune of jazzy adult contemporary over the dining room speakers. However, an October 2023 Clarify Capital survey determined Panera was the country’s least-trustworthy restaurant.

After alienating patrons with plummeting quality, skyrocketing prices, over-caffeinated lemonades, and an ever-shrinking menu, Panera can no longer count on brand loyalty. Fans of the brand once championed its inexpensive but filling You Pick Two offering, but today, one plain grilled cheese is nearly $9.

Chipotle

Chipotle’s housemade ingredients, open kitchen concept, and customizability made it a household name in the 2000s. But with inflated prices, foodborne illness concerns, and portions so small they became a meme, patrons are no longer interested.

Fans of the chain are sharing old menu photos across social media, highlighting their once-affordable $6 burritos. Today, the average Chipotle burrito costs buyers more than $10.

Captain D’s

Captain D’s claims that they are raising their prices due to “real estate inflation,” but the brand’s recently announced expansion plans leave seafood lovers unconvinced. The company plans to double its existing 540 locations and hopes to open about 40 stores annually.

The chain is seemingly prioritizing speed and guest turnover as cost-cutting measures, as plans for new developments spotlight kitchen efficiency, additional drive-thru lanes, and locations with no dining rooms.

Pizza Hut

Not only has Pizza Hut done away with its Italian kitsch tablecloths and Tiffany-style lamps, but the chain’s menu is a shell of its former self, too.

In 2010, a medium pie cost customers $8, with a large only $2 more. But to “Create Your Own” medium and large pizzas in 2024, buyers shell out around $12 and $14, respectively. A large premium pie — buffalo chicken, Hawaiian, and the like — costs about $20 after tax and tip.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell remains a dietary staple for many, including late-night eaters, hungover college kids, and vegetarians. But even Pete Davidson commercials can’t replace consumer trust lost to price-gouging and drops in quality.

In August, a throwback advertisement garnered interest on Instagram. The retro ad features a testimonial from a customer claiming he could feed his family for less than $6. Frustrated fans filled the comments, lamenting the combo meals of yore.

Chick-fil-A

Like most other fast food brands, this chicken chain pushed prices up, too, asking $16 for its basic chicken finger meal. However, the brand’s dedicated customer base keeps lunchtime drive-thru lanes wrapped around the block on any given day.

Customers can rest assured knowing their hard-earned dollars contribute to Chick-fil-A’s latest venture: their own streaming service.

Arby’s

Arby’s prices have increased 55% over the last decade. While the brand routinely issues coupons and offers deals, like their current “2 for $6” offering, these incentives pale in comparison to their iconic “5 for $5” pricing.

The roast beef chain’s sandwich prices continue to grow over time while quantity shrinks. Yeah, they might “have the meats,” but do YOU have the cash?

Subway

In the 2000s, every American could identify which beloved sub chain famously slung $5 footlongs. The chain’s gone viral again, but not like they’d hoped, as one TikTok user reports she paid $33 for two sandwiches.

In an attempt to sate unsatisfied clientele, the brand reintroduced discounts for footlongs, selling any sammie for $6.99. Unfortunately, some franchisees are publicly opting out of the deal, calling corporate’s new low pricing unsustainable.

Fuddruckers

Sports bar Fuddruckers struggles to stay afloat, fighting claims of mass closures despite ceasing operations at locations nationwide. Consumers increasingly cook at home to combat climbing food costs, and pricy pub food can’t compete.

The chain’s seen better days, it seems, as the official website shows several of its locations are “temporarily closed.”

Firehouse Subs

Countless Firehouse Subs fans are sounding the alarm. The restaurant’s beloved Firehouse Meatball sub is more expensive than ever — $10 for a medium, which is about 7″ of sub.

But on National Meatball Day in March, the chain sold the same sandwich for just $5.

Long John Silver’s

Long John Silver’s, known for its greasy and indulgent battered seafood, sells a two-piece fish basket for about $10. The meal also contains two sides and two hushpuppies, but data shows Long John Silver’s perceived value is among the lowest of fast food eateries.