[bradleyjg]

Restaurants should generally be expected to get more and more relatively expensive, especially “sit down” restaurants, because of Baumol’s cost disease. There’s a large labor component that isn’t getting significantly more efficient over time.

[whoisthemachine]

Many restaurants in our area are "removing the middle man" so to speak - with modern technology, the waiter isn't a necessary component, as ordering, paying, etc. can all be done either through a smart phone or a smart display at the table. A server is still somewhat necessary, but requiring someone who is highly sociable or remembers orders well is no longer needed.

Of course, nicer restaurants will retain waiters because it is nice to be waited on by another human being, but you need to pay for that experience!