SE Asia is pretty good at providing affordable food options. It's cheaper to eat a hawker center (like a food court in the west...kinda) than to cook for yourself, particularly if you're using western brands or ingredients. I can get a lunch at a hawker ranging anywhere from $3 to $9 Singapore dollars. Tack another $1-2 SGD for a drink.

I think there's still room to lower food costs in the west if you're willing to give up your storefront, as well as potentially find ways to automate your business and cooking processes. The "cloud kitchen" concept is a very interesting one imo.