As inflation continues to soar and price concerns continue to scare consumers away from fast food restaurants, fast food chains are trying to lure them back, and value menus are a surefire way to do so. Combo menus are almost a regular feature in the fast food industry, but this summer saw them become more popular than they've been in recent years.
That's in part due to claims of “McFlation,” which followed reports that a chicken sandwich costs about $8 and a Big Mac costs $18. (McDonald's U.S. president Joe Erlinger addressed the issue last month, publishing an open letter refuting what he called “widespread social posts and poorly sourced reports that McDonald's has raised prices significantly above the rate of inflation.”)
Whether true or not, consumers believe fast food is too expensive — and not just at McDonald's — which has led to price wars across the board.
Here are some dining deals and promotions available to consumers in the summer of 2024.
McDonald's
Starting June 25, the fast-food chain will be offering a new $5 menu item at most locations nationwide that includes a McDouble Cheeseburger or McChicken sandwich, small fries, four Chicken McNuggets and a small soft drink.
The company also promotes specials offered by local franchisees that vary from store to store: Some McDonald's in Memphis, for example, are offering buy-one-get-one-free breakfast sandwiches, while a Columbus location is offering a double cheeseburger and small fries for $3.50.
The chain is also running a promotion through the end of the year where with any purchase of $1 or more you get a free medium serving of fries.
Wendy's
Wendy's is putting even more food into its $5 Biggie Bags and adding a free small Frosty to every order made through the company's app. (You can choose from chocolate or triple berry flavors.) The combo comes with a sandwich (either a Double Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger or Crispy Chicken Sandwich), four pieces of chicken nuggets, fries, and a small soft drink. The offer runs through June 30.
Wendy's will also be offering a free small Frosty with any $5 purchase from July 1 through July 7 if customers use the app.
Burger King
Not to be outdone, Burger King is bringing back its $5 Your Way Meal on June 13, which includes your choice of a Whopper Jr., bacon cheeseburger, or Chicken Jr. along with fries, four chicken nuggets, and a soft drink. The special will be available all summer long.
Checkers/Rally
From July 1 to July 12, fans of the sister chains will have the chance to win a Flypass, which could earn them a year's supply of fully loaded flies. The chains plan to select 100 winners.
Additionally, Checkers and Rally's will offer a free regular-sized Fully Loaded Fries with any purchase made through their app between July 12 and July 14.
chipotle pepper
Chipotle hasn't offered any bold new combos lately, but it is giving five fans the chance to own the company's Celebrity Card, which entitles fans to one free meal per day at the restaurant and catering for up to 50 people once a year. Fans can apply for the card through TikTok, Instagram and Twitter/X using the hashtag #CelebCardContest through July 3. Winners will be contacted on July 12.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell entered the value-meal wars on June 27 with the launch of its Luxe Cravings Box. For $7, the combo includes a Chalupa Supreme, a beef five-layer burrito, a double-stack taco, chips, nacho cheese sauce, and a medium fountain drink. The company didn't say how long the promotion will last.
Starbucks
Starbucks isn't known for its combo menus, but in the midst of a fierce competition, the coffee chain has introduced a new “pairing menu” that allows customers to pair a tall hot or iced tea or coffee with a staple food like a buttery croissant or breakfast sandwich. The limited-time menu items are priced between $5 and $6.
Chiliz
Do you like burgers? Do you really like them? Chili's is giving away a lifetime supply of burgers to one lucky winner. (Well, 40 years' worth of burgers to be exact, in the form of $31,200 in Chili's gift cards, plus $10,296 in cash to cover taxes on the prize.) To win, you'll need to get the highest score possible on an update to the company's classic arcade video game, BurgerTime. The contest is open to customers 18 and older and runs through July 14.
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