economy

The Bottom Line: Consumer sentiment hit the fast-food giant harder than expected. But comments from the company, and results from other chains, suggest a broadening economic malaise.

Restaurant operators and executives, both in public and private, fret about the impact of import taxes on food costs, construction costs and wonder whether they can raise prices. But they’re more worried about the state of the consumer.

A recent University of Michigan survey revealed a dramatic drop in consumer confidence, driven by fears of rising inflation and unemployment. As diners pull back on spending, restaurants face ongoing challenges in a deteriorating economic landscape.