Recession Special? Fast food prices on the rise

Over the past few weeks, as a meat crisis has seemed more and more likely, fast food restaurants have begun increasing their prices. McDonald's is reconsidering the items on its dollar menu, Hardee's has changed the options in its 2-for-$3 promotion from burgers to hot dogs, and even upscale Chipotle's is planning a price increase.

In the meantime, New York's famous Gray's Papaya is poised to raise the price on its famous "Recession Special." A New York institution since its debut in the 1990's, the special originally cost $1.95, but rose to its current price of $3.50 a few years ago. Consisting of a medium tropical beverage and two hot dogs, the combination of two perfectly prepared hot dogs and a medium fruit drink has long been one of the city's best food bargains.