With fast food prices on the rise, many customers are turning to social media to express their frustration — and some are discovering more affordable options in unexpected places.
In a TikTok video that has gone viral with over 1.2 million views, Eason Trbojevic revealed that dining at his local Chili’s is now more cost-effective than grabbing a meal at McDonald’s.
Related: ‘Highway Robbery’: Burger Chain Criticized for ‘Out of Control’ Prices During Inflation
Trbojevic attributed this shift to what he described as “price gouging” in the fast food industry and highlighted the “3 for Me” deal at Chili’s, where customers can choose an appetizer, drink, and meal for approximately $11 (as per Chili’s website, the deal starts at $10.99).
@easontrbojevic #fyp #boomer #woke #lgbt #taylorswift #letthemeatcereal #taylorandtravis #eattherich ♬ original sound – Eason Trbojevic
“You get your drink, your little chips, your cheeseburger, and your french fries,” he informed his audience. A text overlay on the video read: “Chili’s is cheaper than McDonald’s, yet no one is here.”
Some viewers were surprised by the significant price difference at Chili’s compared to McDonald’s.
“Definitely prefer these chain restaurants,” one comment read. “I spend less at Applebee’s than McDonald’s.”
“A sit-down meal is now the same price as a drive-thru here too,” another viewer shared.
It’s uncertain which McDonald’s Trbojevic had previously visited, but the chain does offer a $1 $2 $3 menu, which could potentially provide a lower-cost meal than Chili’s.
Related: Kellogg’s CEO Suggests Americans Should ‘Eat Cereal For Dinner’ During Tough Economic Times
McDonald’s has faced criticism recently for its perceived high prices.
While approximately 93% of McDonald’s 38,000 locations are franchised, and prices can vary based on location and demand, an overall price hike prompted the company’s CEO Chris Kempczinski to pledge more “affordability” in the future.
“As we move into 2024, I think there will be a greater focus on what I would call affordability,” Kempczinski stated during an earnings call following a sales decline in Q1 2024 due to increased menu prices.
Related: Wendy’s Responds to Reports of ‘Surge Pricing’ Menu Model
The chain had raised prices by an estimated 10% by the end of 2023.
Last summer, a McDonald’s location at a rest stop in Darien, Connecticut gained attention after a customer exposed the unusually high menu prices, including a 10-piece McNugget order for $18.29 and a McCrispy sandwich for $17.99.
McDonald’s did not respond immediately to Entrepreneur’s request for comment.
