WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Going out to eat, even at a fast-casual restaurant, is getting more expensive according to a new study that shows some prices are rising faster than inflation.
FinanceBuzz.com, a personal finance website based in Delray Beach, found the prices at 16 popular chain restaurants rose on average 42% from 2020 to 2025.
"Though fast-casual tends to be on the more affordable side, the reality is that what once was a reliable low-cost option might not be within people's budgets," researcher Chris Lewis said. "This is especially true of breakfast places given the rising costs of eggs recently."
WATCH: Will the price of fast-casual dining continue to rise?
At the top of the FinanceBuzz list is Waffle House, with prices rising 96% over 5 years, followed by IHOP at 82% and Texas Roadhouse at 46%.
The study noted the grilled chicken biscuit at Waffle House was up 150%.
The list of the 16 restaurants from FinanceBuzz:
- Waffle House: 96% increase
- IHOP: 82% increase
- Texas Roadhouse: 46% increase
- TGI Fridays: 45% increase
- Applebee's: 41% increase
- Cheesecake Factory: 40% increase
- Hooters: 40% increase
- Chili's: 39% increase
- Denny's: 36% increase
- Cracker Barrel: 35% increase
- Red Lobster: 34% increase
- Olive Garden: 30% increase
- Outback Steakhouse: 29% increase
- Buffalo Wild Wings: 29% increase
- BJ's Brewhouse: 26% increase
- Longhorn Steakhouse: 26% increase
