More Than 70% of Oklahomans Cutting Back on Restaurants and Takeout
New survey data shows higher prices are changing routine household spending as voters prepare to decide SQ 832.
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 3, 2026) — As Oklahoma voters prepare to decide State Question 832, a new State Chamber survey shows higher prices are already causing many Oklahomans to cut back on restaurants and takeout.
The survey of 645 Oklahomans, conducted in May 2026, found that more than 70% of respondents said higher prices have caused them to cut back on eating at restaurants or ordering takeout over the past year. That includes 32% who said they have cut back a lot and 38.2% who said they have cut back some.
“These numbers should get everyone’s attention,” said Adam Maxey, vice president of government affairs of The State Chamber of Oklahoma. “Oklahomans are already cutting back on routine purchases because everything costs more. Restaurants are one of the clearest places where families make those decisions.”
The data comes as SQ 832 is set to appear on Oklahoma’s June 16 ballot. The measure would raise Oklahoma’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2029 and then tie future increases to CPI-W, a federal inflation index.
Business leaders and restaurant operators have warned that SQ 832 could increase labor costs for employers already operating on tight margins. Those costs could show up through higher menu prices, reduced hours, slower hiring, fewer entry-level opportunities or reduced services.
“Affordability is showing up in the decisions Oklahomans make every week,” Maxey said. “When consumers are already pulling back from restaurants and takeout, policies that force additional costs onto employers can end up making affordability worse.”
The State Chamber opposes SQ 832 and is urging Oklahomans to vote No on June 16.
