Story perspectives

Consumers Worry Private Equity Could Raise Food Prices

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 6:23 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Private equity firms are acquiring U.S. food chains such as Crumbl, Insomnia, Dunkin, and Panera.
Some consumers avoid those private-equity-backed restaurants because they fear higher prices, lower quality, and uniform menus.
NPR hosted a discussion on the issue with Guardian writer Alaina Demopoulos and Ravenous founder Courtney E. Smith.
The episode was produced by Liam McBain, edited by Neena Pathak, and supervised by Cher Vincent.

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Story summary

Private equity firms are acquiring U.S. food chains such as Crumbl, Insomnia, Dunkin, and Panera.
Some consumers avoid those private-equity-backed restaurants because they fear higher prices, lower quality, and uniform menus.
NPR hosted a discussion on the issue with Guardian writer Alaina Demopoulos and Ravenous founder Courtney E. Smith.
The episode was produced by Liam McBain, edited by Neena Pathak, and supervised by Cher Vincent.