A perfect combination of technology, economics, changing cultural tastes, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns have put America’s middle-class eateries on an inescapable decline, The New York Times reported.

Restaurants that are too pedestrian to be considered high-end yet take too long to be considered fast food are finding themselves losing customers and locations rapidly. Americans have shifted their priorities and have moved away from the giant portions, happy hours, and sitting down while eating a meal that mid-tier national food chains offer.

In 2024, the restaurant industry saw a massive decline in chains with Wendy’s closing 140 locations, Red Lobster shutting down over 100, Denny’s closing 150, and Outback and Applebee’s closing dozens of their own locations. TGI Friday’s and Red Lobster both filed for bankruptcy in 2024.

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