If a mom and pop notices much higher prices for a key ingredient in an entree, the restaurant can quickly change prices, slim down the portion size or even remove the item from the menu.
Portillo's restaurant chain CEO Michael Osanloo said independents do have greater flexibility when it comes to changing prices.Consumers care more about prices when they're visiting a chain restaurant, according to findings from a survey of roughly 2,400 U.S.More than a third of respondents said everyday prices mattered when picking a chain restaurant, while just 22.5% said it factored into their decision making when selecting an independent eatery.
"There's this perception of authenticity, like a family Italian restaurant versus a big chain like Olive Garden," Allen said.