Rental prices and estate prices have been rising since at least 2010. So much longer than 10 years, but the prices have not risen commensurate to this with a multiplier like they did lately.

So, the inflation story is most certainly a lie. The businesses started to charge more because they had an excuse in (a minor) supply shock and fuel price rises. But it's just that, an excuse. Worst case pure inflation is about 10% while the increases are... a lot. Especially in some sectors.

The situation is "so bad" for some corporations they're instituting stock buybacks. :) So stockholders are getting rich.

You’re bending over backwards to make your narrative fit. These burger restaurants are a blend of major national chains and completely local ones. The local ones absolutely are not “instituting buybacks”.

This is not some corporate conspiracy. The fed’s comments on inflation have made it very clear there is a labor shortage in the services sector that is driving up costs there quickly.

Starting hourly rates at these restaurants are now $20/hr, up from $15 a couple of years ago, and that’s still not enough. Each one of them has hiring signs and is clearly short staffed.