Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) meals remain less than half the price of casual dining at the menu level, though delivery markups, platform fees, and tips can erase that advantage, according to a new analysis from Revenue Management Solutions (RMS). The widening price gap between the two segments highlights the impact of inflationary pressures and changing consumer ordering habits on the restaurant industry.

RMS analyzed pricing across 61,000 restaurants representing 21 U.S. chains from April 2023 through May 2026 using its Competitor Price Intelligence solution. The study found that the average casual dining visit, consisting of an entree and non-alcoholic beverage, rose from $20.31 to $22.97. Meanwhile, the average QSR combo increased from $9.46 to $10.29. While both segments raised prices, QSR moved at a slower rate, widening the dollar gap from $10.85 to $12.68.

Delivery Impact on Pricing

The delivery channel significantly alters the cost structure for consumers. RMS found that a $10.29 QSR combo on a delivery app can reach $27.37 after in-app price markups, delivery fees, platform charges, and tips are factored in. This total cost is nearly the same as a casual dine-in visit with gratuity, effectively nullifying the inherent value advantage of QSR.

Consumer Behavior Shifts

Consumers appear to be responding to these cost dynamics. RMS' Q1 2026 Consumer Report indicates that delivery trails all other ordering channels in frequency. Only 52% of consumers report ordering delivery at least once a week, compared to 75% for both drive-thru and dine-in.

Delivery usage reflects ongoing consumer concern over restaurant affordability. Food-away-from-home prices rose 3.5% over the past year, compared with 2.7% for food at home, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For the first time since RMS began tracking consumer perception, more respondents (72%) believe restaurant prices are rising, compared to 68% who say the same about grocery prices.

A recent survey by Just Capital highlights a significant divergence between corporate leaders and the American public regarding how profits from artificial intelligence should be utilized. While 63% of the American public and 67% of institutional investors and analysts believe AI-driven profit gains should be reinvested in workers, corporate leaders prioritize reinvesting in research and development (R&D) and delivering returns to shareholders. The data shows that 72% of corporate leaders favor R&D reinvestment, while 54% prioritize shareholder returns.

Just Capital CEO Martin Whittaker noted that these gaps exist between how corporate leaders view AI deployment and the expectations of the public and investors. He emphasized that while the public recognizes the economic upside of AI, they require assurance that they will benefit from these gains. Companies that successfully address this concern may be rewarded with greater trust and a stronger license to operate as the AI transition progresses.

The survey, which is the third wave of Just Capital's quarterly assessment, indicates shifting perceptions about the economy. Public optimism regarding the positive effect of AI on economic growth climbed 12 points, rising from 47% in Fall 2025 to 59% in Summer 2026. Despite this optimism, concerns about large-scale job losses persist among the public, particularly regarding fewer entry-level positions.

Corporate expectations regarding workforce impact have also shifted. The share of corporate leaders anticipating large-scale job losses within the next two to three years nearly doubled, increasing from 13% in Spring 2026 to 22% in Summer 2026. However, there are indications that leaders are beginning to address these concerns. The percentage of corporate leaders willing to dedicate more than 5% of AI investment to support displaced workers has more than doubled in the past six months, moving from 9% in Fall 2025 to 17% in Summer 2026.

Key Survey Findings

The following table summarizes the primary data points from the third wave of the survey conducted in Summer 2026: