I've noticed that in Asia food prices are relatively low and there is an abundance of options. There are many mom & pop places, whereas in the U.S. it feels lik

I've noticed that in Asia food prices are relatively low and there is an abundance of options. There are many mom & pop places, whereas in the U.S. it feels like mostly big chains. In South Korea and Japan, it's common to order and pay for your machine using a kiosk. When your food is ready, you pick it up yourself, and when you're done, you drop off your tray in the designated location. I'd imagine this saves on a great deal of labor costs. Other than that, perhaps the rent is too damn high in the U.S. My experience watching countless restaurants and commercial properties become vacant storefronts and bank retail branches in Manhattan at least would suggest that.