Cheap Eating

There's one thing you can always count on when the economy goes bad: Cheap fast food getting cheaper. Accoroding the OC Register, "Taco Bell and other value-minded chains are not just trying to keep their own customers. As consumer wallets are whacked by everything from high gas prices to tight-fisted bosses leery of raises and new hires, the resulting anxiety offers opportunity. Like trying to snare diners who previously may have eaten at pricier sit-down joints. A diner choosing to move down the food chain, price-wise, is inflation fighting in its own way." The bossman for Anaheim-based Carl's Jr. asks if you can make a hamburger for 99 cents at home? Answer: If we used low-quality ingredients, sure. [OC Reg]