Chili’s puts pressure on fast-food competition with new deals

As consumers continue to take advantage of summer savings – especially as new inflation data has shown that food prices are on the rise again – more and more companies are offering deals, discounts and freebies, from fast food chains to drive-through and delivery services.

McDonald’s and Burger King made headlines earlier this summer by offering $5 meal deals to keep customers, but other fast-food competitors — and even some restaurant chains and grocery services — have offered seasonal promotions to lure shoppers hungry for a better deal.

Chili’s Takes on Fast Food Wars with New Deals; 3 for Me

Brinker International CEO and Chili’s President Kevin Hochman told “Good Morning America” ​​Thursday that the industry is “very competitive” right now and that “when the competition gets tough, the consumer always wins.”

“Our consumers are looking for a good deal to try to get by and make ends meet. The reality is, I think, if you can offer incredible value with incredible abundance and delicious, flavorful food – and do it at an attractive price point – you’re going to win in this market and that’s exactly what Chili’s is doing right now.”

Chili’s recently launched an ad campaign comparing the restaurant to fast food to emphasize both quality and value.

“Our marketing teams are constantly listening to social media and hearing rumors that people are really frustrated with the rising prices of fast food,” Hochman said. “And we thought, ‘Why not go directly to them?’”

Chili’s offers a range of meal deals, including a 3 for Me value meal that includes the customer’s choice of beverage, appetizer and main course and rivals the prices of some fast-food combo meals, Hochman said.

“We’re offering a nearly half-pound burger, unlimited fries, chips and salsa and an unlimited drink for just $10.99, which is cheaper than a lot of combos out there,” he said. “The last three or four months behind this campaign have been incredible and we’re leading the industry in growth.”

Egg prices continue to climb by nearly 20%, new inflation data shows

Here’s a look at other places offering more savings this summer.

$1 Frosty’s at Wendy’s and value menu deals

Starting this week and throughout the rest of the summer, Wendy’s is offering its iconic frozen treats for just one dollar.

Customers can get a small Frosty for $1 at participating Wendy’s restaurants nationwide through September 15.

Earlier this summer, the fast-food chain launched a $3 English muffin combo on its breakfast menu, which includes a small serving of seasoned potatoes and a choice of either a bacon, egg and cheese English muffin sandwich or a sausage, egg and cheese English muffin sandwich.

Additionally, the fast food chain is offering another long-standing value offer, the $5 Biggie Bag — a meal deal that includes a choice of three sandwiches, spicy or classic chicken nuggets, fries and a small soft drink.

Sonic Enters the Value Menu Arena

Sonic has launched a new $1.99 menu with a range of items, each for just $1.99, all day, every day.

The menu, dubbed the FUN.99 menu, includes cheese wraps, a quarter-pound double cheeseburger, a Chili Cheese Coney, Small Tots and one of 12 flavors of Sonic Shakes in a 16-ounce size.

Plus, all Sonic drinks and slushies are half price for customers who order in the Sonic app.

Starbucks New Pairing Menu, $6 Breakfast Combo

The popular Seattle-based coffee chain has launched a new drink and breakfast combo starting at just $5.

Customers can order any 12-ounce grande iced or hot coffee or tea with a buttery croissant for $5, or upgrade to any savory breakfast sandwich — sausage, cheddar and egg sandwich; bacon, gouda and egg sandwich; turkey, bacon, cheddar and egg white sandwich; or chicken, maple butter and egg sandwich — for $6.

Additionally, guests can opt for a larger drink size or customize the drink or food, in each pairing, for an additional fee.

Burger King Meal Valued at $5

The Miami-based burger chain confirmed to ABC News last month that it was accelerating its value offerings with its $5 Your Way deal launched in June.

The deal includes a choice of three sandwiches, a Whopper Jr., Chicken Jr. or Bacon Cheeseburger, with chicken nuggets, fries and a soft drink for just $5.

McDonald’s meal worth $5

The Golden Arches will soon be launching its new four-item bundle deal: a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, small fries, a small soft drink and a four-piece Chicken McNugget for just $5, starting later this month on June 25 for a limited time.

An earlier version of this story was first published on June 7, 2024.

Summer Food Savings: Chili’s Puts Pressure on Fast-Food Competition with New Offerings