Breakfast Inflation: Denny’s $18 Platter!

Fans of Denny’s are expressing outrage over a significant price hike for one of the restaurant’s well-loved “slam” breakfast platters. The cost of this popular meal has tripled in recent years, leaving many patrons frustrated.

Denny’s, known for its iconic dish, Moons Over My Hammy, is the latest fast-food chain to significantly increase prices. The restaurant industry has been grappling with rising inflation and higher labor costs due to new minimum wage laws, prompting many brands to adjust their prices accordingly.

A recent post on the Inflation subreddit showcases a picture of a Denny’s menu featuring the “Lumberjack Slam.” This breakfast offering includes two buttermilk pancakes, a slice of grilled ham, two bacon strips, two sausage links, two eggs, hash browns, and two pieces of white toast, all for $17.99.

However, the hefty price tag doesn’t stop there. Customers who choose to upgrade their pancakes to double berry banana, cinnamon roll, or “choconana” flavors are faced with an additional charge of $3.09, bringing the pre-tax, pre-tip total to a staggering $21.08.

“DENNYS: where you can order an $18 plate for one person instead of making it at home for 4 people for the same price,” commented one disgruntled customer, highlighting the stark contrast between dining out and preparing meals at home.

Another user, who mentioned working at a Denny’s during the 1990s, recalled the restaurant’s Grand Slams costing only $1.99 at that time. “We used to have old people come in all the time for two coffees and two Grand Slams and would leave with under a $10 bill,” he wrote, illustrating how drastically prices have changed over the years.

The original poster, who didn’t specify the location of the Denny’s they visited, shared their shock at the total bill for their family meal. For himself, his wife, and his daughter, including “3 meals and 2 coffees plus 20% tip,” the total came out to an eye-popping $78. “Our usual breakfast place is kind of fancy and less expensive than this abomination,” he lamented.

This isn’t an isolated incident. A recent study highlights the impact of California’s new $20-an-hour minimum wage law for fast-food workers on the industry. Many beloved chains, such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King, have had to increase prices to accommodate higher wages.

For decades, these chains have been a go-to option for families seeking affordable meals. However, since California’s law took effect on April 1, all three restaurants have experienced declines in foot traffic, according to a report by analytics firm Placer.ai. Burger King saw a business drop of 3.86%, Wendy’s fell by 3.24%, and McDonald’s experienced a 2.5% decrease.

These challenges are not unique to California. Across the nation, restaurants are wrestling with how to balance rising costs while retaining their customer base. Many consumers are finding themselves priced out of dining at their favorite establishments as these increases take hold.

The rise in menu prices at Denny’s and other popular fast-food chains is reflective of broader economic trends. Inflation rates have surged, impacting the cost of ingredients, transportation, and other operational expenses. Coupled with new labor laws, these factors have created a perfect storm, forcing restaurants to adjust their pricing strategies.

While some patrons understand the necessity of price increases, others feel alienated by the rapid changes. Social media platforms like Reddit have become forums for frustrated customers to voice their grievances and compare past and present experiences.

As the debate over rising costs and wage laws continues, the restaurant industry faces a challenging road ahead. Balancing the need for fair wages with affordable pricing remains a complex issue, leaving both businesses and consumers navigating uncertain territory.

In the meantime, diners are left to decide whether their beloved Denny’s breakfasts are worth the price or if it’s time to explore more cost-effective alternatives. The outcry from loyal customers serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to keep both employees and patrons satisfied in today’s evolving economic landscape.