Its not just you noticing the uptick in prices.

Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images/Fast Company.

Have you noticed that going to a restaurant has been a lot more expensive lately?

a photo of José Andrés

Photo:Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images/Fast Company. EatingWell design.

No, its not just you.

Dont worry: the restaurant owner has noticed this trend, too.

It takes a lot of people and expensive ingredients, Andres says.

He notes that its due to many, many, many, many, many reasons.

Heres what he had to say.

Because the cost of living is higher, worker salaries are being increased.

So what should we do as consumers?

Food should be affordable, Andres says.

Let’s hope this happens soon.

These tips will have you enjoying your favorite takeout meals at a lower cost.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.QCEW state and county map.