California diners are cutting back as costs soar — but restaurant owner reveals one trend that's booming

Happy hour is becoming the main event for some California diners as the state's high cost of living pushes more customers to seek out discounted meals instead of paying full price for a night out.

Chef Alex Carballo of Grand Restaurant Group told Fox News Digital that happy hour once accounted for an estimated 5% to 8% of his business. Now, that figure has climbed to nearly 30%, even as customers cut back on dining out.

"My happy hour has increased a lot, so I think people are looking...