San Francisco, CA – The KFC-Taco Bell combo restaurant on Polk Street in San Francisco may lack tables, chairs, and restrooms, a fact noted by Lower Nob Hill resident Candy Huff. However, in recent times, the sparse amenities have not been accompanied by sparse prices, and this trend extends beyond the Tenderloin district.
According to Huff, a regular patron of the Polk Street eatery, she observed price hikes approximately three months ago. “It’s like 10 bucks for a chicken sandwich with fries,” she exclaimed, adding, “It’s outrageous.”
Fast-food establishments play a crucial role in the Tenderloin community, as many of them accept CalFresh food stamp benefits. Additionally, these eateries provide a source of affordable hot meals for homeless individuals who lack access to kitchens or means to store food.
Huff’s partner, Pete Barth, weighed in on the escalating costs, recounting his recent order experience. He noted that when he added a chicken burrito and a drink to Huff’s order of a sandwich, fries, and a drink, the total reached a staggering $18. Barth couldn’t help but speculate that the same meal would have cost significantly less in his hometown of Cincinnati, although he acknowledged that he hadn’t visited since 2018.
The escalating prices at fast-food establishments in San Francisco are emblematic of the broader issue of rising inflation impacting consumers’ wallets. As patrons grapple with these surging costs, the affordability of daily staples such as fast-food meals is increasingly coming under scrutiny, leaving many residents reminiscing about the days when a hearty burger meal wouldn’t break the bank.
