A restaurant owner has explained how raging inflation means he has to charge $16 for a BLT sandwich - yet makes under $2 on each.

Brian Will, boss and founder of Central City Tavern sports bar chain, decided to speak out after a pal confronted him over his sandwich prices.

The ingredients - bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo and bread - cost $5, up more than a dollar since three years ago.

But Will says spiraling costs for staff, rent and utilities have been a much bigger blow - forcing him to raise the price of a BLT from $13 three years ago.