OC’s top chains address rising inflation in different ways

As inflation skyrockets to a near 40-year high, businesses of all types are upping their prices to offset rising staffing, supply and other costs.

Not Lake Forest-based Del Taco.

The Mexican fast-casual restaurant chain, the sixth-largest chain based in Orange County, last month added a trio of items to its “20 Under $2 Menu,” a new variety menu that was launched at the start of the year.

For less than an eight-piece box of Chickfil-A chicken nuggets, customers can walk out of a Del Taco with a pair of tacos or bur

ritos as a main course, nachos or a quesadilla as a snack, and a beverage.

“We want to continue to be first in [consumers’] minds as the go-to solution when inflation continues to shrink their wallet,” Chief Marketing Officer Tim Hackbardt, who returned to the company in 2020 after a career counting stops at several other OC restaurant chains, said in a statement.

The budget-friendly menu stands out in an industry struggling to keep a lid on prices.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of quick-service products grew 7% in April while full-service meals jumped 8.7% year-over-year.

“Restaurants are all going to take a beating this year, because I don’t think any of us can price our way up to cover cost inflation,” California Pizza Kitchen Chief Executive Jim Hyatt told the Business Journal last week.

“The consumer has to react, and we’re waiting on that.”

Del Taco isn’t the only local food company bucking national trends by holding the line on pricing.

The following are a collection of OC restaurants taking measures to address rising costs without putting all the burden on the consumer.