Fast-food chains suffering

I do think some people are starting to realize that it is too dang expensive to take a family out for a meal these days and the food isn't that great at most of these places. Or perhaps some people aren't putting their kids in as many activities (to save on those fees) and by default they aren't on the road as much with a "need" to grab a meal on the go.

I ended up swapping my fast food runs with trips to a local cocktail bar once a week. Turns out I was spending about the same on junk food over a few days as I now do on one drink and some good conversation. Less processed food, more social time, and still within budget—just shifted the spending to something I actually enjoy and remember the next day.