$8 Kids Meals Over $28 Entrees: Gen Z Turns Chain Restaurants Into A Budgeting Strategy

As inflation continues to pinch wallets across generations, younger diners are finding creative ways to stretch their dining dollars. Gen Z, in particular, is reshaping the restaurant industry with budget-savvy behaviors that prioritize value over extravagance — and it’s making waves at chain restaurants across the country.

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Sharing Plates and Ordering from the Kids' Menu

Rather than each diner ordering their own full-priced entrée, many Gen Z customers are splitting appetizers, sharing main courses, or even ordering kids' meals to save money when dining out. These strategies help Gen Zers manage costs while still enjoying the social experience of eating out.

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It's not just about cutting corners — many younger diners view dining out as a special occasion, and sharing plates allows them to try a variety of menu items without breaking the bank. As restaurant prices have surged — Finance Buzz reports an average 42% price increase at 16 popular chains between 2020 and 2025 — it's no surprise that smaller, lower-cost orders have become more common.

Social Media Guides Their Choices

Social media plays a major role in how Gen Z chooses where to dine. According to a survey by Eater and Vox Media, 77% of Gen Z respondents said they find new restaurants through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, compared to just 21% of boomers.

Restaurant aesthetics, food presentation, and peer reviews all weigh heavily into their decisions. Mia Jones, a 26-year-old growth strategist, told Fortune she relies on social media "reviews" from fellow foodies before trying a new restaurant. For many Gen Z diners, if a restaurant isn’t trending online, it might not even make the list.

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This heavy reliance on social media also extends to menu decisions. “What I ordered” videos showcasing kids' meals or shared platters often inspire younger diners to seek out those options for better value.

Smaller Portions, Smarter Choices

Restaurants are starting to adapt to these changing habits. Chains like Panera Bread have leaned into offerings like the "You Pick Two" deal, allowing customers to enjoy smaller portions for under $10. Subway has introduced a snack-focused menu for diners looking for affordable, lighter meals.

Fortune reports that some restaurants have even embraced adults ordering from the kids' menu as a smart way to offer portion-controlled, cost-effective meals without alienating younger customers.

Influencers like Ashley Garrett have even built followings by reviewing kids' meals for adults. Garrett, 33, eats kids' meals several times a week and believes the smaller portions and lower prices better match her needs.

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How Other Generations Compare

While Gen Z might be leading the charge toward lower-cost dining strategies, inflation has affected diners across the board. The Eater/Vox Media survey found that 86% of all diners have changed their habits, often opting for less expensive menu items or planning their outings around deals and discounts.

Baby boomers, however, tend to treat dining out as an indulgent experience, with some even increasing their spending on alcohol, according to Fortune. Unlike Gen Z, boomers prioritize comfort and relaxation when dining out and are less likely to trust social media recommendations.

Looking Ahead

With economic uncertainty lingering and restaurant prices staying high, Gen Z's thrifty dining habits could influence the industry for years to come. By embracing smaller portions, prioritizing peer recommendations, and getting creative with menu choices, younger diners are not only saving money but also reshaping what it means to dine out in 2025.

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