Customers Balk at Price Hikes From Panera and Others, While Walmart and Shake Shack Win Shoppers With Restraint

• Consumers fed up with price hikes, walking away from brands like Panera • Companies cite high inflation for raises, but customers reaching limit • McDonald's, Kraft Heinz, General Mills admitting overestimated willingness to pay • Walmart, Shake Shack success stories for less aggressive price increases • Higher costs mean brands unlikely to make deep cuts, so offering more options