A drive-thru used to be a quick way to get a cheap meal - they’re still quick, but recent inflation data indicates they aren’t cheap.

Fast-food prices went up 3.8 percent year on year in September, while groceries rose 1.8 percent, according to federal figures published in October.

Whether by cause or coincidence, 67 percent of consumers are spending less at restaurants this year compared to last year, according to a September report from restaurant consultancy Popmenu.

“Restaurants have pushed menu prices about as far as they can go,” Popmenu CEO Brendan Sweeney said.…