They will charge what people are willing to pay, and not a dollar more. That number changes based on a wide variety of factors, but you’re right that there is a baseline necessity to eat. The thing is, food and shelter are the last lines, and we’re already seeing the strain on those.
People aren’t going to the movies, they’re not buying cars, they’re not going on vacations, and small businesses everywhere are suffering. So now, finally, the grocers and restaurants are coming under fire because they have hit the upper limit of what people will accept.
Watch as they all “find ways” to cut costs and improve their value proposition. They will try to convince you that they are in this with us, but there will be a trade off. Buy in bulk, offering the same prices that you used to get buying normal quantities. Join our discount club, with recurring fees and personalized advertising using your spending habits. Get the store brand, which is expected to be of lower quality so you can’t complain when your breakfast cereal is mostly pulped cellulose.