A new study found that prices at casual dining restaurants have risen over the past year, even though chains continue to promote deals. Nation’s Restaurant News says restaurant chains are promoting deep discounts on entrees in the hopes of increasing the number of diners and selling them items with higher profit margins, such as alcoholic drinks, desserts and side dishes. The average price for lunch at casual chains went up 13%, from $7.14 to $8.07, according to Intellaprice, a Boston restaurant consulting firm. Dinner prices rose 6%, from $12.98 to $13.70.
Today’s question: Are you spending more on meals at restaurants than you were a year ago?
