Between prices and a diarrhea-causing parasite, lettuce is causing hard times at some restaurants

Lettuce prices surged in early 2026 due to Arizona's hot weather, and a cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce at Taco Bell caused sales declines. Taco Bell removed the affected lettuce, leading to a temporary sales drop, while other chains like Chipotle and Sweetgreen also reported reduced traffic or spending.