In response to rising prices and consumer demand for more affordable meals, major fast food chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks and Burger King are launching extensive meal promotions this summer. These initiatives aim to attract customers with value-priced combos, ranging from $5 meals at McDonald’s to Starbucks’ new pairings menu. With deals like Wendy’s Biggie Bag and Checkers/Rally’s Fry Pass, consumers can enjoy substantial savings amid economic concerns.
Navigating the Fast Food Price War: Summer 2024 Deals and Consumer Sentiment
According to a recent report from Fortune, value dining is a proven strategy for fast-food chains looking to re-attract consumers as they continue to retreat from fast-food restaurants due to pricing concerns in a context of galloping inflation. Although combo meals are common in the fast food industry, this summer there have been more of them than at any time in recent memory.
This is partly a result of the “McFlation” claims, which were made in response to reports of chicken sandwiches costing nearly $8 and Big Mac meals costing $18. (McDonald’s U.S. president Joe Erlinger addressed this issue last month by issuing a public letter refuting “viral social media posts and poorly documented reports that McDonald’s has raised prices well above inflation rates.”)
Consumers feel that fast food has become prohibitively expensive, and this feeling is not limited to McDonald’s. This has given rise to a price war currently being waged on several fronts.
Fast food bonanza for summer 2024: discover the exclusive offers and promotions
Take a look at the meal deals and promotions consumers can use during summer 2024.
McDonalds
Yahoo Finance reported that the fast food chain will offer a new $5 meal at most locations starting June 25. The meal includes a McDouble cheeseburger or McChicken sandwich, small fries, four Chicken McNuggets and a small soft drink.
The company also promotes promotions offered by local franchisees, which vary from store to store. For example, some Memphis McDonald’s locations offer discounted breakfast sandwiches, while Columbus locations offer a double cheeseburger and small fries for $3.50.
Additionally, the chain is offering a promotion through the end of the year, allowing customers to receive a free medium fry with a minimum purchase of $1.
Starbucks
Starbucks isn’t known for its combo meals. However, in response to market competition, the coffee chain has introduced a new “pairing menu.” This menu allows customers to pair a large hot or iced tea or coffee with various staples, such as a buttery croissant or a breakfast sandwich. The limited-time offer costs between $5 and $6.
Burger King
On June 13, Burger King reinstated its $5 all-you-can-eat menu, offering customers the option of a Whopper Jr., Bacon Cheeseburger, or Chicken Jr., along with fries, a four-piece chicken nugget, and a soft drink. The company decided not to be left behind. The promotion is expected to run through the summer.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s is increasing the amount of food in its Biggie Bag to $5 and offering a free small Frosty with all orders placed through the company’s app. (You can choose between the chocolate or three-berry varieties.) The combo includes a small soft drink, fries, four pieces of chicken and a choice of sandwich (either a double junior bacon cheeseburger or a crispy chicken sandwich) . The agreement will remain in effect until June 30.
From July 1 through July 7, Wendy’s will be giving customers a free Frosty with every $5 purchase when using the app.
Ladies/Rallies
From July 1 to 12, fans of the sister chains will have the chance to win a Fry Pass, which will give them a year’s supply of fully loaded fries. The chains plan to select 100 winners.
Additionally, between July 12 and 14, Checkers and Rally will offer a free order of full-size Fully Loaded Fries with any purchase made through the company’s app.
Chipotle
Chipotle is currently offering only a few new, meaningful and innovative combinations. However, the company is offering five customers the chance to earn the Celebrity Card, which will grant them access to one free meal per day at the restaurant and the ability to serve up to 50 people once a year. Using the hashtag #CelebCardContest, fans can submit their entries for the card on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter/X through July 3. Winners will be notified on July 12.
Taco Bell
On June 27, Taco Bell introduced its Luxe Cravings Box, which has become part of the Value Meal Battles. The $7 combo includes a Chalupa Supreme, a beefy 5-layer burrito, a double stacked taco, chips, nacho cheese sauce and a medium fountain drink. The company did not specify the duration of the promotion.
Chili’s
Love burgers? What do you mean, “really love burgers”? Chili’s is giving away a lifetime supply to one lucky recipient. (Technically, the prize consists of $31,200 in Chili’s gift cards and a cash payment of $10,296 to cover taxes, which equals a 40-year supply of burgers.) To win, you must get the highest score on the company’s updated version of the classic BurgerTime arcade video game. The contest is open to customers 18 years of age or older and runs through July 14.
Photo: Microsoft Bing
