1776Reporting
The famous breakfast chain Denny’s, known for its affordable meals like the “Grand Slam,” is facing customer backlash after a significant price hike on one of its most popular breakfast platters. Fans of the restaurant are shocked by the steep jump, with prices now triple what they were just a few years ago.
Denny’s, the chain that brought quirky menu items like “Moons Over My Hammy” to breakfast lovers everywhere, is just the latest in a line of fast-food joints to sharply raise prices in response to inflation and higher labor costs. This comes as many companies have struggled to adjust to new minimum wage laws, which have forced businesses to pay workers more.
A viral post on Reddit’s Inflation subreddit shows a snapshot of the Denny’s menu featuring the “Lumberjack Slam,” a platter loaded with two pancakes, a slice of grilled ham, two bacon strips, two sausage links, two eggs, hash browns, and two pieces of toast, all for $17.99. The price doesn’t even include upgrades like double berry banana, cinnamon roll, or choconana pancakes, which would bring the total to a staggering $21.08 before tax and tip.
This sudden increase has many long-time Denny’s fans fuming. “DENNYS: where you can order a $18 plate for one person instead of making it at home for 4 people for the same price,” one disgruntled commenter noted.
In a more nostalgic remark, another user, who worked at Denny’s in the 1990s, recalled how different things were back then. “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,” the commenter wrote.
The original poster of the viral Reddit thread didn’t disclose where their Denny’s was located, but they shared a shocking bill total: “3 meals and 2 coffees plus 20% tip” came out to $78. The user said their usual breakfast spot, which is typically fancier, still costs less than this Denny’s visit, calling the meal an “abomination.”
The jump in menu prices has coincided with California’s new minimum wage law, which now requires fast food workers to be paid at least $20 an hour. This has had a ripple effect on many well-known chains, forcing them to raise prices to cover the higher payroll costs.
Chains like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King, which for years offered families a quick and affordable meal, have also hiked prices, leaving loyal customers frustrated. Since the law came into effect in April, foot traffic at these fast-food giants has noticeably decreased. According to analytics firm Placer.ai, Burger King’s business dropped by 3.86%, Wendy’s fell by 3.24%, and McDonald’s saw a decline of 2.5%.
While some customers seem willing to pay a little more for their breakfast favorites, others are turning away, opting to make their meals at home for a fraction of the cost. This price hike at Denny’s, in particular, seems to have hit a nerve among regulars, many of whom remember the days when the same platters were available for just $5.99.
The changes at Denny’s reflect a broader trend in the fast-food industry, where companies are struggling to balance rising labor costs with customer demand for low prices. The growing tension between these competing forces leaves many customers feeling like they’re the ones paying the price – quite literally.
As businesses continue to grapple with the fallout from inflation and minimum wage hikes, it’s likely that we’ll see even more changes in how fast food chains operate. Whether it’s higher prices, reduced portion sizes, or new menu items aimed at offsetting costs, one thing is clear: the affordable fast food landscape that customers once knew is becoming a thing of the past.
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