It's not just foodservice consultant Technomic saying that restaurant crowds are changing behaviors to lower price points. Wall Streeters are on to this as well. 

It's no secret that sky-high energy prices and food inflation are putting a hurt on consumer pocketbooks these days. Given the financial pinch, many families are eating out less and trading down to more affordable fare. That trend has favored the fast-food operators over the casual-dining crowd.

That's from Motley Fool - and with a name like that you know they better be good or else no one would take them seriously.