There was some years ago, a suggestion that some foodie writer's were keen on the idea
of high quality meals served up at affordable prices in barebones self-service eateries...
Get yer tray and plate, dish up yer own dinner, take it to the till, carry it to a table..

Works/student canteen and motorway service station style...

I was fully in support when I heard about it,
but I don't know if the idea got off the ground or survived anywhere...???

But even in such a utilitarian 'restaurant' the food writer's idea of 'afforable'
would still probably exclude most ordinary folks on minimum wages...