Yahoo Lifestyle The 3 Most Overpriced Fast Food Restaurants in America Were Just Revealed, and the Results Might Surprise You
There’s no getting around the obvious fact that prices are soaring in just about every category you can think of. This is especially true for fast food, as the once standing beacon of guaranteed affordable meals has slowly evolved into an overly priced experience void of any real value. It's no surprise that fans have turned to viral menu hacks in order to get the most out of their favorite fast food establishments, but the question still stands: Will we see pre-2010 prices ever again?
In a study shared by an online marketplace connecting language learners with tutors called Preply, three fast food chains were identified as being overpriced in terms of what they offer to consumers. Preply used the language analysis of over 57,000 Google reviews from roughly 10,000 different restaurants to decipher which chains offered the best and worst bang for your buck, and the results just might shock you.
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Shake Shack
Regularly pinned up in comparison to that of In-N-Out, Shake Shack has garnered itself the reputation of being a gourmet burger served in a fast food setting. It’s no secret that the popular burger shack’s prices are a bit above average, but since its first store opening in Los Angeles back in 2016, the brand has earned itself a dedicated swath of hungry patrons.
The issue most people take up with Shake Shack is the high price of admission for a simple burger, fries and drink. In some cases, customers can spend upwards of $25 for something that would otherwise cost $15 elsewhere. And while Shake Shack did reportedly close five Southern California locations in 2024, along with nine underperforming stores across the country, that doesn’t seem to have put a dent in the lines that we still see at some of our locals.
Related: You Can Now Get This Fan-Favorite Fast Food Item at Sam’s Club
Five Guys
When it comes to fast food menu hacks, Five Guys regularly gets the creative treatment from its dedicated bunch of loyal customers. While their menu prices might not seem as high as that of Shack Shack’s, Five Guys is still considered to be very overpriced for what you get. CEO Jack Murrell once explained that the brand's food prices “fluctuate,” stating that the brand does not base their prices on anything other than “margins.” Murrell further explained that the company has raised its prices to reflect whatever their food costs are. “So if the mayonnaise guy triples his price, we pay triple for the mayonnaise!”
However, when your combo prices are reaching the levels of the “gourmet” fast food burger experience at Shake Shack, someone else might want to start crunching the numbers. What we can say is that while prices are certainly high on both Shake Shack and Five Guys menus, both options still bring the heat in terms of flavor and consistent quality as compared to the competition.
Related: This Beloved Sandwich Chain Just Shut Down For Good–Here's Why
Sugar Factory
Not our first guess but certainly up there on Preply’s list, Sugar Factory rounds out the top three most overpriced fast food establishments. A quick Google search will show you a number of customer reviews claiming “overpriced” menu options despite the restaurant garnering a pretty healthy star rating. One customer referred to their experience as “average, not above or below,” citing mixed feelings about a total bill of $125 and a mandatory 20-percent gratuity charge despite dining with a Groupon.
In comparison to that of Shake Shack and Five Guys, Sugar Factory is definitely operating on an entirely different playing field. While the other two aim for a more classic burger joint experience, Sugar Factory offers an assortment of overpriced appetizers, Mexican and American fare and silly $100 sundaes. It’s certainly a different experience worth enjoying on a special occasion, but not at all budget-friendly.
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