They've always had to pay that. But restaurants were a lot more affordable in years past. It's in the last 5 years or so they've gotten ridiculous in price. Even the drive thru grease pits.The reason you pay more at a restaurant is all the overhead. They have to pay staff, rent or mortgage, insurance, water, electric, gas, licensing, food sanitation courses, purveyors, loss from breakage, laundry, etc... Restaurant margins are around 5%. So most of what you are paying goes to keep the place open.
https://nypost.com/2023/10/30/business/mcdonalds-revenue-soars-as-it-hikes-menu-prices-18-big-macs/
"One branch in Darien, Conn., charged as much as $18 for a Big Mac combo meal, which includes medium fries and a medium soft drink.