SEATTLE — If you've ever visited a chain restaurant in western Washington and felt like the prices are substantially higher than in other parts of the country, there is new data to support that idea.

Washington state's chain restaurants cost diners 13.6% more than the national average, according to a new report from the Washington Hospitality Association. No other state pays a higher premium above the national average, with California coming in just behind Washington at 13.3%.

“It's not surprising, yet still incredibly disappointing to see Washington state is the least affordable restaurant state in the country. We need to work harder to help policy makers understand that their consistent actions to increase costs are having a real impact on Washington families,” said Anthony Anton, pres

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