(NewsNation) — Fewer people are dining out in the post-pandemic era, and some restaurants are starting to adapt, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The Journal reports that 18% of sales at fine-dining restaurants were to people not physically eating at the establishments.
While supply chain issues have eased after the pandemic, prices for many services — including restaurants — are still surging, fueled by greater demand from consumers who in many cases have enjoyed rising wages.
According to the Federal Reserve, restaurant prices rose 0.6% last month.
With fewer people dining in, and costs rising, some fast-food chains are rethinking their dining spaces.
According to the Journal, McDonald’s has begun workshopping “small format” locations that feature an order-ahead system and a “conveyor belt.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.