If you haven’t been dining out much lately, the bill could catch you off guard.
According to the latest Consumer Price Index data, food away from home has increased 3.9% from February of last year to February 2026. At the same time, the National Restaurant Association says food and labor costs for restaurants have each risen around 35% over the past five years.
And on top of that, the U.S.-Israeli strikes are putting further strain on Americans’ wallets in the form of higher gas and oil prices, which are projected to trickle down into food prices as well.
For one Florida man who says he doesn’t eat out often, one meal at Outback Steakhouse was enough to remind him why.
What Went Wrong At Outback Steakhouse?
In a video that got over 12,000 views, Jacksonville-based TikTok creator and realtor Mike Jones (@mikeandcindyjonesrealtor) said he was shocked when it came time to pay.
“So I was just brutally reminded why I don’t go out to eat anymore,” he begins. “I went and met someone for lunch. Went to Outback Steakhouse.”
He says he didn’t order anything over the top.
“I literally ordered a salad with grilled chicken on it,” he says.
According to him, the portion didn’t justify the price.
“Pretty good size salad, but it’s all lettuce and tomato and some bacon bits,” he says. “I had literally four little strips of grilled chicken on there.”
The total he paid, with his drink of choice having been just tap water, shocked him.
“My bill with the tip was $25,” he says. “What in the world’s going on?”
In the caption, he added, “Food prices are crazy.”
Commenters Agree
In the comments, viewers largely agreed that eating out has gotten noticeably more expensive and offered some explanations on what may be causing it.
“Restaurants get their food from a truck,” one wrote. “Trucks run on diesel. Diesel fuel is insane right now.”
Another said prices are pushing people away. “These restaurants are gonna price themselves right out of the market,” another added.
A third user shared their own recent experiences. “Yep… took my wife, daughter and 2 grandsons to Red Robin for lunch 2 weeks ago,” they wrote. “2 chicken sandwiches, 1 burger and 2 $7.99 kids meals, teas and sodas was $100 with a 18% tip. Exactly why we don’t go it but it was one of the kids birthdays!”
What Made The Meal So Expensive?
The salad he’s likely referring to is an entrée option, similar to the Fresh Sydney Salad, which includes ingredients like bacon bits, blue cheese crumbles, and dressing, along with grilled chicken.
That type of salad can cost around $18.99 on its own, depending on the location, and the calorie count can reach up to around 1,500 calories, depending on the dressing and add-ons.
Add tax and tip, and the total could easily climb into the $25 range Jones mentioned.
@mikeandcindyjonesrealtor Food prices are crazy #food #economy #diningout #lunch
BroBible has reached out to Outback Steakhouse via email and Jones via contact form for comment.