🍽️ South Sound Diners Are Paying the Price

If you’ve gone out to eat anywhere in the South Sound lately — and felt that gut-punch when the bill came — you’re not alone.

A new report from the Washington Hospitality Association confirms what many of us already suspected: Washington state now has the most expensive chain restaurant prices in the entire U.S.

📊 How High Are We Talking?
According to the report, prices at major chain restaurants in Washington are now 13.6% above the national average — the highest in the Lower 48.

The study looked at pricing data across 20 national chain restaurants — think sit-down spots like Applebee’s and Chili’s, as well as fast casual options like Panera and Chipotle. While prices have been rising everywhere, Washington topped the charts.

To put it in perspective:

• 🥇 Washington: 13.6% above average

• 🥈 California: second highest

• 🥉 Oregon: close behind

• 🏷️ Kansas & Oklahoma: 6% below national average

💸 Why Are We So Expensive?
The report cites a few key reasons:

• Higher wages (including recent minimum wage increases)

• Rising real estate and rent costs

• Utility and supply chain expenses

• A dining culture that’s shifted toward fast-casual and delivery (both cost more to operate)

• And general inflation affecting the entire region

Combine all of that with Washington’s already high cost of living, and it’s no surprise that a night out costs more than it used to.

📍 What It Means for the South Sound
Here in the South Sound — where cities like Tacoma, Olympia, Lacey, and Federal Way have a heavy mix of chain restaurants — this news hits close to home.

Whether you’re grabbing lunch at Chipotle in Lakewood or taking the family out to Red Robin in Puyallup, you’re paying more than someone ordering the same meal in most other states.

And for local restaurants — especially small independent ones — it means competing with national chains who are passing rising costs onto customers. Some might see this as an opportunity to promote local loyalty and transparency, while others may struggle to keep up.

🧾 Bottom Line
If eating out feels like it’s gotten more expensive lately — you’re not imagining it.

Washington officially leads the country in chain restaurant prices, and South Sound diners are footing the bill.

Expect more price-conscious behavior in the months ahead — and maybe a few more leftovers in the fridge.

📨 I’m Aaron Thomas, a local realtor sharing stories about growth, development, and everyday life across the South Sound.
Every Friday, we publish the South Sound Report — covering what’s next for Tacoma, Olympia, Lakewood, and beyond.

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