Part 9/10:
The signs are clear. Restaurants are emptying on peak nights, sales are declining industry-wide, and the food itself is often subpar. The industry’s reliance on frozen, processed food and the aggressive price hikes have alienated the average customer. Meanwhile, even chains that attempted to raise prices without sacrificing quality are struggling.
Additionally, the move towards automation and pre-cooked meals reflects a desperate attempt to cut costs, often at the cost of taste and freshness. Customers notice and are increasingly choosing to stay home, cooking for themselves rather than feeding the system that no longer delivers value.