As Inflation Affects Prices of Meals, Woman Compares Chains Serving Chicken Wings in Viral Video
Fast-food giants have been locked in a battle for decades, and apart from quality and taste, these chains are also trying to win consumer confidence by offering attractive deals on meals. As they race ahead, discerning customers take matters into their own hands to determine the true winner, and social media has opened up an avenue for them to discuss who's best. TikTok user Audra (@becomingaudra), embarked on a quest to settle the age-old debate about who serves the best chicken wings in America, and in a viral video garnering over 1.5 million views, she compared wings from the renowned Buffalo Wild Wings against those from a local eatery named Gators, with shocking results.
"Feeling a little bored again today, so why don’t we go check out another chain restaurant that’s just straight up taking advantage of us?" Audra said as she started the video. "Behold! The last Buffalo Wild Wings order you are ever going to see me have ever again because I will never go there again."
In the clip that follows, Audra candidly expressed her dissatisfaction with Buffalo Wild Wings, accusing the chain of taking advantage of its patrons. Next, she visited Gators, a neighborhood favorite, to acquire another batch of wings for a side-by-side comparison.
The overlay text revealed that Buffalo Wild Wings set her back $20.03, while Gators' wings cost just over $17.09. Despite the higher price tag, Buffalo Wild Wings' portion paled in comparison to Gators', visually and quantitatively.
Audra meticulously laid out both orders to highlight the stark contrast in size. "Gators have even taken care to line their to-go box with aluminum to keep the wings warm on the drive home," she said.
She then held up a wing from each batch, showcasing the considerable difference in size. "[Buffalo Wild Wings], home of the micro wing," she quipped. According to her findings, Gators offered superior value for money, providing larger portions at a lower price.
The video resonated with many viewers, who agreed that opting for local establishments often yields better results. One user, @sunnybutnottheweather, agreed with the TikToker. Meanwhile, others noted the prevalence of this trend across various industries, citing "shrinkflation" as a contributing factor.
User @Lucci pointed out that grocery stores and fast-food chains alike are increasing prices while reducing product sizes. Another user chimed in, saying, "Inflation really is getting out of hand, this is crazy. How are we even going to survive?"
"Can somebody tell me what's happening here? It's almost impossible to go eat outside. Not only is the food getting really expensive but also they ask you to tip so much," wrote a different user.
As inflation continues its upward trajectory, restaurant patrons across America are feeling the pinch in their wallets. From fast-food joints to upscale eateries, the cost of dining out is steadily climbing, leaving consumers grappling with higher bills and smaller portions.
Many establishments are forced to raise prices on their dishes to offset rising expenses, such as labor, rent, and ingredient costs. As a result, customers are finding themselves shelling out more money for their favorite meals, often without any noticeable increase in portion size or quality.
@becomingaudra JUST WAIT until you see the side by side close up. Its unreal. #food #corporate ♬ Funny Song - Funny Song Studio & Sounds Reel
For more such content, you can follow Audra (@becomingaudra) on TikTok.