Most restaurants have raised their prices by 40% in past 5 years

When was the last time you went out to eat? I bet you had to look twice at the bill when it came.  Once you add the tip, you can be paying $80 for 2 people with no drinks. Well, it’s not just your imagination. Prices have gone up.

Waffle House has the biggest increase, they have doubled their prices in the past five years.

According to a new report from FinanceBuzz, the cost of dining out at the nation’s largest chain restaurants has increased. All 16 chains raised prices over the rate of inflation since 2020.

Over the last five years, something that once cost a dollar is now $1.22, meaning inflation has risen by 22%.

However, some popular restaurant chains have increased prices much faster. Some of them have doubled their prices.

Researchers found that prices at leading casual chain restaurants on average, increased 42% from the start of 2020 to the start of 2025.

Is your favorite restaurant chain on the list? Mine are…

Restaurant name followed by amount they have raised prices by :

Waffle House: 96%

IHOP: 82%

Texas Roadhouse: 46%

TGI Friday’s: 45%

Applebee’s: 41%

Cheesecake Factory: 40%

Hooters: 40%

Chili’s: 39%

Denny’s: 36%

Cracker Barrel: 35%

Red Lobster: 34%

Olive Garden: 30%

Outback Steakhouse: 29%

Buffalo Wild Wings: 29%

BJ’s Brewhouse: 26%

Longhorn Steakhouse: 26%

Does it make you want to stay home more? Do you work in the service industry? Are these prices hikes helping your tips or hurting you?

Read more about the research findings here.