Is it just me, or is everything getting more and more expensive with each passing day? Gone are the days when you could run to McDonald's or Taco Bell and feed a family of four for less than 25 bucks. Nowadays, you're lucky if you pull out of the drive-thru without coughing up a $50 for your food.

Cat Country 107.3 logo
Get our free mobile app

Inflation is especially doing people dirty here in the Garden State. There isn't a single item that isn't now costing NJ residents an arm and a leg. You know we're in bad shape when it costs just as much to eat out as it does to make meals at home.

Fast-Food Restaurant Prices Skyrocket in NJ

Inflation affects fast-food restaurants, in particular. They're impacted in a multitude of ways, ultimately leading to price increases:

Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash
Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash
loading...

Cost of ingredients

Inflation often leads to higher costs for essential ingredients like meat, dairy, and vegetables. Fast food restaurants heavily rely on these ingredients. As suppliers raise their prices to compensate for inflation, these costs are passed on to the restaurants, prompting them to adjust menu prices.

Photo by Marcel Heil on Unsplash
Photo by Marcel Heil on Unsplash
loading...

Wages and labor costs

Inflation can also drive up labor costs as wages increase to keep pace with rising living expenses. Fast food chains may need to raise wages to attract and retain employees.

Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
loading...

Operating expenses

These restaurants also face inflationary pressures on various operating expenses such as rent, utilities, and equipment. As these costs rise, restaurants may need to adjust prices to cover their increased overhead and maintain margins.

Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
loading...

Supply chain disruptions

Inflation can exacerbate supply chain disruptions, leading to shortages or delays in receiving essential ingredients and supplies. These disruptions can drive up prices further as restaurants may need to pay premiums to secure necessary items or seek alternative suppliers.

Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
loading...

Menu innovation and quality

To stay competitive, fast food chains often invest in menu innovation and improving food quality. However, these enhancements typically come with additional costs.

Photo by Batu Gezer on Unsplash
Photo by Batu Gezer on Unsplash
loading...

Most Expensive Fast Food Chain in the Country

With that being said, it's no surprise that the cost of fast food has increased so much in New Jersey over the last few years. The most expensive fast-food restaurant in the Garden State is actually Wendy's. As a matter of fact, sources report it's the most overpriced fast food joint in America. Many people say they'll keep returning, though, because they make everything with the freshest ingredients.

To offset these increased expenses and maintain profitability, fast food chains frequently adjust their prices, resulting in higher costs for consumers. Doubtful we'll see menu prices drop anytime soon.

We might have some tips to help you pinch some pennies when ordering fast food, though...

NJ fast food: If you don't have these apps, you're losing money

What's better than a free item at your favorite New Jersey fast or quick food spot? With so many loyalty programs, it can be tough to keep up, so we did the work for you.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt

Fast Food Employees Say to Avoid Eating These Items

If the employees at a fast-food location tells you not to eat something you should probably listen to them. Here is a list of food items that fast food employees suggest to not order.

Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins

More From Cat Country 107.3