How We Check Prices
Where Menu Info’s prices, calories and deals come from, how we choose the number we publish, and what to keep in mind when you use them.
Written and maintained by Aliza, founder and editor of Menu Info.
Why one official price rarely exists
Most big restaurant chains are franchised. The company sets the menu and suggests prices, but each franchise owner can charge more or less depending on rent, local wages, taxes and demand. On top of that:
- Airport, stadium, highway, campus and hotel locations often charge 20 to 40 percent more.
- Big cities usually cost more than small towns.
- Delivery apps mark menu prices up before fees and tips are added.
- App deals, coupons and rewards can bring the real price well below the menu board.
That is why Menu Info shows a typical price, and a range where prices vary a lot, rather than claiming one exact figure.
Our sources
| Source | What we use it for |
|---|---|
| Official brand websites and ordering apps | Live prices for specific locations, current menus and new items |
| Official nutrition and allergen documents | Calorie counts and allergen notes |
| Company announcements and earnings calls | Launches, price changes, deals and discontinued items |
| Independent price trackers and menu board photos | Checking our prices across several US markets |
| Reader reports | Spotting changes and local differences we have missed |
How we choose the price we publish
- Collect. We gather prices for the same item from the official app or website for several locations in different parts of the country.
- Compare. We check those figures against independent price trackers and any menu board photos available.
- Pick the typical price. We publish what a typical suburban location charges, leaving out unusually high airport and big city prices.
- Show a range when needed. When prices vary widely, or a chain has no national pricing, we give a range and say so.
- Label what changes. Limited time items, seasonal drinks and deals are marked so you know they may disappear.
Calories and nutrition
Calorie figures come from each chain’s published nutrition information. Where an item can be customized, we give a range. Calories change when you add or remove ingredients, so treat them as a guide. If you have a food allergy, always check the restaurant’s current allergen guide before ordering.
Hot Deals
Every menu page has a Hot Deals section near the top. We update it when a chain launches, changes or ends a promotion, using the chain’s own app, website and announcements. Deals are often limited to participating locations and can end early, so check the restaurant’s app before you go.
How often pages are checked
Every menu page is reviewed at least once a month, and the month in each page title shows when it was last checked. Chains that change prices or run deals often, such as the big burger and pizza chains, are checked more often.
Help us keep prices accurate
If you see a different price, a missing item or wrong hours, tell us through our contact page. Include the restaurant, the city or ZIP code, the date and what you saw. A photo of the menu board helps. Read more in our editorial policy, or browse all restaurant menus.