Fast food burger chains have raised their prices so much that some customers are considering eating at a less upscale restaurant, where they’ll pay almost the same as the fast food chain but get a proper meal. The problem being discussed in Reddit communities is that many burger joints have reduced portion sizes, increased prices, and the value of the food is no longer what it used to be. Read about customer reviews of these different fast food chains.
Lost Their Value – Five Guys
Lately, Five Guys customers have been complaining about the price of their burgers. This fast-food chain has some positive aspects, such as maintaining the flavor of its food, offering very generous portions, using fresh ingredients, and providing more fries than any other fast-food chain. The problem is that in Reddit communities, users point out that “it has become an expensive fast-food place, now charging restaurants prices”. The criticism focuses on the fact that some burger and fries combos exceed $20 U$D, leading some to say that “it has lost its value”.
Lost Their Value – Shake Shack
Shake Shack doesn’t have a quality problem with its burgers, but customers are commenting on social media that the price has increased too much. These combo meals, ranging from $16 to $20 U$D are too expensive for some of its regular customers, especially compared to In-N-Out and Five Guys. The question for this chain is whether it’s worth spending that much money on one of these burgers.
Lost Their Value – Smashburger
Some Reddit users are commenting: “I ate a smash burger today, it cost me $21 U$D…”. The price of this burger, which is no longer as innovative as it once was, has lost much of its appeal. The promise of crispy-edge patties and better ingredients than regular burger hasn’t been enough to justify those prices. Furthermore, Reddit users suggest that this smash burger trend is due to the fact that they use less meat, yet charge premium prices.
Lost Their Value – BurgerFi
BurgerFi’s impact on its customers hasn’t lived up to expectations, especially after being sold on the idea that its burgers would be better than other fast-food options. Customers thought they’d be happy to pay a slightly higher price, but when the response was that the burgers were “okay”, “underwhelming” and “too expensive”, the house of cards collapsed. The criticism on Reddit also focuses on the shocking price of $40 U$D for two BurgerFi burgers.
Lost Their Value – Burger King
Many people remember when Burger King launched the ‘Whopper’ and it seemed like all other fast-food burgers paled in comparison. That gap has now closed, and online communities are questioning whether a combo meal should really cost $12 to $17 U$D. One positive point that stands out is that you can access many discounts through mobile apps, but if you have to resort to that to buy them, it means the price is high.
Trending on Cheapism
Lost Their Value – Whataburger
All those burger chains maintain their loyal following, but in Texas and the South, Whataburger stands out for its extensive menu customization options. Many people on Reddit are already debating whether the price still a bargain like it used to be, now pricer ranging from $12 to $16 U$D, and how much this food has lost, leading to disappointment when the burger quality doesn’t meet expectations. And even though it’s a regional, not a national burger chain, the problems are the same.
Deserve Your Business – In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger succeeds in keeping prices low, offering fresh food, being simple, and maintain consistency. Reddit users rank this fast-food chain alongside Five Guys and Shake Shack among the top choices. Their prices range from $8 to $12 U$D, which is well accepted. Some negative reviews mention that the burger is overpriced or the fries aren’t the best, but overall, the quality-to-price ratio is a plus, according to customer reviews.
Deserve Your Business – Culver’s
Culver’s manages to balance the somewhat high cost of its burgers with excellent service, a great overall dining experience, and high-quality food. Many customers on Reddit comment that their burgers have been consistently good for years although some customers aren’t entirely satisfied with the fries. The menu is extensive compared to other fast-food chains, and Culver’s is very well-positioned in the market and could cost you from $10 to $14 U$D.
Sign up for our newsletter
Deserve Your Business – Cook Out
As mentioned on Reddit, Cook Out is highly rated for offering a combination of an appetizer, a side, and a drink or shake, something many fast-food chains no longer provide. Prices have increased, and Cook Out isn’t as cheap as it was years ago, but it maintains a value that satisfies customers. Their ‘Trays’ combo range from $8 to $9 U$D. Overall, the food-to-price ratio is very well received.
Deserve Your Business – Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
The positive aspects of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburger are that it features crispy-edged patties, maintains consistency, and its custard is quite appealing. There are two groups of people who comment on this fast food chain: Those who acknowledge that it isn’t cheap, like Felicia S. on Yelp who commented: “Paying $55 for 3 meals and 3 ice creams was wrong and they messed up my order”. And Korina J who was more positive: “We got the senior meal for $6. I got the cheeseburger add lettuce tomato, onion and pickles. I’m not a burger person but their steak burgers are awesome!”.
Deserve Your Business – The Habit Burger Grill
The most popular items at The Habit Burger Grill are the onions rings, Santa Barbara char, and of course, the burgers. Customers often compare it to ‘In-N-Out Burgers’ but many Reddit users describe it as “cheaper” and therefore “worth eating at”. Some users point out that it’s a good alternative when you don’t want to order through the drive-thru but also don’t want to pay the prices of a Five Guys.
Deserve Your Business – Wendy’s
On social media, people still remember when a combo meal at Wendy’s costs only $4 U$D, but hardly any fast-food restaurant has those prices anymore. Although the company itself launched the Biggie Baggs promotion, where a meal costs from $4 to $8 U$D depending on the sandwich choice, it’s a good example of a fast-food chain showing it cares about its customers, and that’s appreciated by the community. Reddit user AngryVideoGameTable commented: “Wendy’s deals have gotten worse over time, but the rewards are stackable”.
Why Consumers Are Paying More Attention
Those who regularly frequent fast-food restaurants know that prices have increased, and that they’ll pay between $18 and $25 U$D for a combo meal of a burger, fries and a drink. The problem is that since these prices are approaching, and sometimes exceeding, those of a local restaurant, it could lead to a loss of interest. Their goal is to remain affordable yet still appealing, without overcharging.
