Shake Shack has been named the most overpriced fast food chain in America, according to a recent study. The survey highlights how consumers are feeling the weight of inflation and rising prices.
The study by Preply ranked Shake Shack first, followed by Five Guys and the Sugar Factory. This comes after Shake Shack raised its prices by 3% in March.
Researchers analyzed over 57,000 reviews from 10,000 restaurants across 50 cities. They searched for words like "pricey" and "rip-off" to identify overpriced spots.
Oakland, San Jose, and Virginia Beach topped the list of cities with the most overpriced restaurants. California's high living costs and focus on premium ingredients contribute to this trend.
"California’s residents prioritize high-quality ingredients, which cost more," the study noted. "Unfortunately, some restaurants miss the mark with inflated prices that don’t match the food's quality or quantity."
On the flip side, New York City stood out for having the least overpriced restaurants. This distinction shows variation in how restaurant prices are perceived nationwide.
Meanwhile, fast-food chains continue to raise prices. In May, McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger addressed concerns about price hikes, pushing back on claims they were extreme.
"The average price of a Big Mac in 2019 was $4.39," Erlinger stated. "Despite significant cost pressures, the price today is $5.29—an increase of 21%, not 100%."