"These days, even fast food can get near the $10/meal mark."
Near $10? I wish. Yes, Mc Barfs and BK have a few "meals" under $10, but anything fancy there and it's over 10.
Subway, Jimmy Johns, Potbellys, 5 guys, smash burger, Taco Time etc, any "better" fast food place is like $12-15.
Is what it is I suppose and the cost is somewhat dependent on the cost of living. I'm talking Seattle area mostly, but some outlying areas have figured out how to charge too.
Agree, under $10 a plate is not going to be worth writing home about. Barely make a turd with it!