12 Southern Fast Food Chains With Hidden Fees And Shrinking Portions

Southern fast food chains are known for their comfort classics and charm. But lately, something has been off. From mysteriously smaller servings to surprise charges at checkout, these local favorites are quietly changing the game.

Here are the chains where your dollar might not be stretching as far as it used to.

Bojangles’ Biscuit Meals are Getting Smaller

Bojangles still serves its signature biscuits with a smile, but that biscuit sandwich combo feels lighter these days. Portion sizes have noticeably decreased, especially when it comes to fries and meat fillings, and extra sauce or sides often come with unexpected upcharges at the register.

Whataburger’s Add on Prices Add Up

Whataburger offers generous burgers, but be cautious when customizing. Extras like avocado, bacon, or even extra sauce now cost significantly more. What feels like a better burger quickly becomes a much more expensive meal. Even their meal deals have slowly shrunk in size.

Zaxby’s Fingerz Meals Feel Lighter

Zaxby’s famous chicken finger plates are no longer as hearty as they once were. Some locations serve fewer fries and smaller toast slices. Plus, dipping sauce is now sometimes limited to one per meal unless you pay extra. The value is not what it used to be.

Cook Out’s Combo Deals have Shrunk

Cook Out was once the king of value meals. Lately, though, side portions like hush puppies and nuggets are noticeably reduced. And if you want to swap out a drink or side item, you are often hit with extra charges that were not there before.

Krystal’s Boxes Seem Less Filling

Known for their small burgers served in packs, Krystal’s meals used to feel like a feast. Now the sliders seem thinner and the box deals have quietly increased in price. Even drink sizes have downsized in some stores without a clear announcement to customers.

Church’s Texas Chicken Cuts Back on Sides

Church’s still offers big flavor, but not big portions. Biscuits are smaller and the sides feel more like tasters than full servings. There are also new fees tied to specific combo changes, like swapping a breast for a thigh. The small print makes a big difference.

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Raising Cane’s Sauce and Bread Come at a Cost

Cane’s is still consistent with its chicken, but many customers are noticing smaller toast slices and fewer fries. Additional sauce, which used to be free with larger meals, is now sometimes treated as an upcharge. These subtle changes can make the meal feel less satisfying.

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Sonic’s Ice Cream Sizes are Not what they Used to Be

Sonic might still serve up fun with their drinks and desserts, but the portion sizes have noticeably dipped. From smaller shakes to thinner layers in sundaes, you are not getting as much as before. Add to that extra topping charges and it adds up fast.

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Jack’s Chicken Portions are Shrinking

Jack’s serves southern style chicken and burgers, but their combo meals have become less generous. Customers report fewer fries and noticeably smaller chicken pieces in recent months. Meanwhile, meal prices keep rising and extras like condiments or drink upgrades are often not free anymore.

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Biscuitville Breakfasts are Less Generous

Biscuitville is a breakfast staple in the South, but those hearty platters are not as filling these days. Smaller protein portions and extra fees for substitutions or sauces are frustrating regulars. Even the biscuits themselves are being quietly downsized in some locations.

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Hardee’s Charges More for Custom Orders

Hardee’s has long let you build your burger just how you like it. Now, each adjustment seems to carry a cost. Want extra pickles or a different bun? Expect a fee. Portions have also shrunk, with smaller patties and fewer fries in standard meals.

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El Pollo Loco is Slimming Down its Bowls

Though not exclusively Southern, many Southern locations of El Pollo Loco are experiencing smaller bowl sizes with higher price tags. Avocado slices are thinner, rice portions are smaller, and sides like beans now come in reduced containers. Customizations also often trigger added fees.

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Southern fast food may still have the charm, but it is starting to cost more for less. Hidden fees, smaller portions, and quiet menu adjustments mean you are probably paying more than you realize. Next time you grab your favorite combo, look closely at what you are actually getting.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

10 Pennsylvania Food Joints That Outsiders Don’t Appreciate Until They Visit

Pennsylvania is a foodie playground full of quirky eats, hidden gems, and beloved joints that locals swear by.

But for outsiders, these spots might fly under the radar, until they take that first bite. From regional specialties to low-key legends, these 10 food joints in the Keystone State only reveal their magic once you experience them firsthand.

Read it here: 10 Pennsylvania Food Joints That Outsiders Don’t Appreciate Until They Visit

10 Fast Food Chains That Arizonans Love More Than Californians Do

Fast food loyalties run deep and nowhere is that more obvious than in Arizona.

While Californians have their favorites, Arizonans have built strong followings around some surprising picks. These chains hold a special place in Arizona hearts and often get way more love than they do on the coast.

Read it here: 10 Fast Food Chains That Arizonans Love More Than Californians Do

Is Walmart+ Still Worth It in 2025? The Truth After 3 Years

Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.

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