The food industry has been hit particularly hard by inflation in recent times, and the USDA found that food prices rose 10.1% between January 2022 and January 2023. Now, another big change could be coming, so if you haven't seen it already, prepare to face a new charge when you get the check: an inflation fee.

Between the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fact that Americans are eating out less, and the rising cost of ingredients, many restaurants have already started implementing inflation fees. These fees vary by location — The Fly Trapp, a Detroit area breakfast spot, added a 4% surcharge while Che Fico, an upscale Italian eatery in San Francisco, implemented a 10% fee.

Inflation is volatile, so if food prices continue to rise, restaurants may need to increase their inflation fees, and if prices drop, they may lower or eliminate them. If a restaurant responded to these fluctuations by changing its menu fees, it would have to repeatedly print new menus, which is why many are choosing to add an inflation fee instead.