Costs in all major areas have increased. The cost of goods has gone up. That’s the ingredients, beverages (alcoholic or not), and indirect items (linens, silverware, dish soap, etc.). The cost of transporting the goods to establishments has gone up. Not just fuel, but the labor in warehouses and driving vehicles, not to mention maintaining those vehicles (usually semi trailers). The cost of real estate has generally gone up where food establishments are located. The cost of labor has gone up, not just in the restaurants but also the industries that service or supply restaurants. It would be impressive if the cost of eating out hadn’t gone up.