As consumers continue to be drawn away from fast-food restaurants due to price concerns amid surging inflation, chains are looking to woo them back — and the value meal is a tried-and-true method of doing so. While combo meals are pretty much an everyday thing in the quick-service world, this summer has seen a flurry of them more prevalent than any in recent memory.
Part of that is the result of claims of “McFlation,” which followed reports of nearly $8 chicken sandwiches and $18 Big Macs. (McDonald’s US President Joe Erlinger addressed this last month, issuing a public letter to counter what he called “viral social posts and poorly sourced reports that McDonald’s has raised prices significantly beyond inflationary rates. “)
Whether it’s true or not, consumers believe that fast food has become too expensive — and not just at McDonald’s. This has led to a price war taking place on a number of fronts.
Here’s a look at the meal deals and promotions consumers can get in summer 2024.
McDonald’s
Starting June 25, the fast food chain is offering a new $5 meal at most locations nationwide, which includes a cheeseburger or McChicken McDouble sandwich, small fries, four-piece Chicken McNuggets and a small refreshment.
The company is also advertising deals offered by local franchisees, which vary from store to store. Some McDonald’s in Memphis, for example, are offering buy-one-get-one-free breakfast sandwiches, while Columbus stores are offering a double cheeseburger and small fries for $3.50.
The chain also has a promotion where customers can get a free medium fries with a minimum purchase of $1 through the end of the year.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s is putting more food into its $5 Biggie bag, adding a free small Frosty to all orders placed on the company’s app. (You can choose from chocolate or triple berry flavors.) The combo comes with a choice of sandwich (either a small bacon cheeseburger or a crispy chicken sandwich), chicken nuggets, fries and a small drink refreshing. The agreement will last until June 30.
Wendy’s will also offer a free small Frosty with every $5 purchase from July 1 through July 7 when customers use the app.
Burger King
Not to be outdone, Burger King brought back its $5 “Your Way Meal” on June 13, giving customers a choice of a Whopper Jr., Bacon Cheeseburger or Chicken Jr., plus fries, a four-piece chicken and a drink, juices. The special is expected to continue throughout the summer.
Checkers/Rally’s
From July 1 to July 12, fans of the sister chains will have the chance to win a Fry Pass, which will get them fully loaded fries for a year. The chains plan to select 100 winners.
Additionally, Checkers and Rally’s will offer a free order of fully loaded regular-size fries with every purchase on the company’s app between July 12 and July 14.
Chipotle
Chipotle isn’t offering any big, bold new combos these days, but it’s giving five fans the chance to own the company’s famous card, which will give them access to one free meal a day at the restaurant. as well as food for up to 50 people once a year. Fans can submit their card application until July 3 via TikTok, Instagram and Twitter/X, using the hashtag #CelebCardContest. Winners will be contacted on July 12th.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell joined the value meal wars on June 27, debuting its Luxe Cravings box. The $7 combo features a Chalupa Supreme, a 5-Layer Burrito, a Double Stacked Taco, chips and nacho cheese sauce, and a medium fountain drink. The company did not give a time frame for the promotion.
Starbucks
Starbucks isn’t known for combo meals, but amid competition, the coffee chain has introduced a “pairings menu,” which gives customers the option to pair a hot or iced long tea or coffee with several mains, including a buttery croissant. or breakfast sandwich. Prices for the limited time offer range from $5 to $6.
of chili
Like burgers? means really like burgers? Chili’s is giving one lucky winner a lifetime supply. (Technically, you’ll get a 40-year supply of hamburgers, in the form of $31,200 in Chili’s gift cards, as well as a $10,296 cash payment to cover the taxes that go with the prize.) To win, you’ll need to get the highest score in the company’s update to the classic arcade video game BurgerTime. The competition is open to customers aged 18 and over and runs until 14 July.