The other day, with my ankle barely recovered enough to operate the gas pedal, I chauffeured my dad to an appointment. I stopped at a local fast food chain for some chicken tenders and French fries, and was rather appalled at the price. And it's a local chain, not McDonald's, so I can't help but imagine how tight their margins are. Everyone is feeling the squeeze, unless you're already on the upward arm of the K-shaped economy with a massive reserve of real estate, stocks, etc. supported by easy credit and subsidized business.