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‘Nope I’m driving off.’
The fast food world just threw us a curveball, and we’re collectively gasping in shock. If you’re the kind of person who loves to stretch a dollar until George Washington cries for mercy, you might want to sit down for this one.
Our story begins on an average Friday evening, with our protagonist, TikTok creator Shannon Wilson. Shannon did what any tired, overworked adult might do: she made a pit stop at KFC for an easy family dinner. Little did she know, she was about to become the star of a viral video that tickled and horrified the internet.
In a TikTok clip that’s amassed over 204,300 views, Shannon sits in her car, looking like she just witnessed a ghost. “I’m seriously about to throw up right now,” she exclaims. We’re right there with you, Shannon.
She recounts her recent KFC rendezvous: a 16-piece meal with four sides, plus three extra chicken tenders for good measure. The total? A gut-wrenching $59.04. I’m not crying, you’re crying.
“Guys, this inflation. It’s getting me,” Shannon lamented, summing up what we’re all feeling. Now, why is fast food, which was once the budget-friendly option, making us dip into our savings?
The Pricey Poultry Predicament
So, what’s behind KFC’s wallet-emptying prices? Inflated economies certainly have a role, but let’s dive deeper. According to FinanceBuzz, your favorite fast food treats are now costing between 39% and 100% more than in 2014. That’s right, folks, your dollar menu is having an identity crisis.
One culprit is the poultry industry’s ongoing bout with avian influenza, affectionately known as bird flu. Vox reported that between 2022 and 2023, 72 million chickens and other birds have met an unfortunate fate, affecting supply.
But don’t solely blame the birds. The broader picture includes rising labor costs, supply chain hiccups, and ingredient sourcing nightmares. It’s a perfect storm making that bucket of chicken pricier than a fancy steak dinner.
The Internet Weighs In
As you’d expect, the internet had opinions – and lots of them. “It’s crazy to eat these days. $60 at KFC is crazy,” one user vented, capturing the collective exasperation. Shannon resonated deeply with these feelings, replying, “I was seriously sick to my stomach.”
Another commenter predicted, “This life is not sustainable much longer!” And who could argue with that when your fast food pitstop requires a credit application?
Then there was the sage advice that stood out: “Go to Costco and get a $5 rotisserie chicken. Convenience costs $$$$.” Now, if that’s not life wisdom wrapped in affordability, I don’t know what is. Costco, you’re our culinary knight in shining armor.
The Daily Dot reached out to Shannon for further comments, but she’s probably busy contemplating her next culinary move – and brushing up on her Costco membership details.
If the internet has taught us anything, it’s that our love for convenience is hitting us right in the wallet. Maybe it’s time to reign in the drive-thru urges and give our kitchens another shot. After all, a home-cooked meal might just be the new luxury dining experience we’ve been craving.
Considering the modern-day costs of fast food, it might be wiser to brush up on some cooking skills or make that dreaded grocery store trip. Spoiler alert: It’s cheaper, and your wallet will thank you.
Just remember, if fast food’s got you feeling like you need a loan officer, there’s always a cheaper, and sometimes tastier, alternative right around the corner.
