Fast food isn't cheap anymore

• McDonald's menu prices are up about 10% this year. That's on top of a 10% bump last year.
• Chipotle has raised prices five times since June 2021.
• Despite slowing inflation, analysts say fast-food chains won't dial back prices.

Inflation may be slowing, but when it comes to skyrocketing fast-food prices, the damage is done — and there's no turning back.

"Inflation has broken the levy wall of low prices at QSRs," said the restaurant consultant Tim Powell, referencing the industry term for "quick-service restaurants."