Americans are choking on surging fast-food prices. "I can't justify the expense," one customer says

[haele]

21. A few fast food restaurants do that. They tend to be smaller and family run.

Here in California, it's In-n-Out. But then, they limit their menus to the basics and they aren't beholden to investors. They raised their prices some, so a "meal deal" costs maybe a dollar, dollar-fifty more per person than it did five years ago, keeping up with inflation. They also always paid their labor more, had more full time employees, promoted from within, and provided scholarships and benefits.
Fosters Freeze, another California smaller fast food place, only really upped their shake prices; they still have a damn good (and huge) classic American burger for around $6, up $1 from 3 years ago. But for the money you spend, you get a large sized meal that honestly can be shared by two people, which Laz and I do when we go to the local one for "Teen style Date night". Including the large, chunky chocolate cherry or nutter butter malted (two straws, please!), dinner for two typically ends up around $15. Not bad for any restaurant.

I think Dicks up in Seattle operates much the same as In-n-Out; and they've been reasonably profitable and locally active for around 60/70 years.

It can be done. But typically by the smaller, family or privately owned franchises.

Haele