The fast food value war will heat up this week with McDonald’s offering a meal worth $5.
The meal, which includes your choice of a McChicken or a McDouble, a four-piece McNuggets, small fries and a small drink, will arrive in stores on June 25, the hamburger chain announced Thursday. This is a limited time offer.
But other fast-food chains have already launched promotions hoping to lure price-conscious consumers to their doorstep or drive-thru this summer.
Restaurants Offer Deals to Keep Customers Coming Back
Restaurants are seeing a decline in business because customers have been put off by high prices, said David Henkes, senior director at Technomic, a research and consulting firm for the food industry.
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“It’s a big threat to the industry because people find it too expensive,” Henkes said. “Restaurants have become too expensive and consumers are opting out and in response, many restaurants are trying to find ways to generate traffic.”
Recent promotions across the landscape included five roast beef sandwiches at Arby’s for $5; a $3 Wendy’s breakfast deal that includes bacon or sausage, an egg and a Swiss croissant and a small order of seasoned potatoes; and Potbelly is offering deals in 13 markets, including a $9.99 daily value combo deal in Indianapolis with an original sandwich, chips and fountain drink.
Last month, McDonalds offered free McNuggets through the app for one day.
This summer, franchisees in communities across the United States will offer local deals at neighborhood McDonald’s, such as Buy One, Get One for $1 breakfast sandwiches in Memphis, Tennessee, a double cheeseburger and small fries for $3.50 in Columbus, Ohio, or a mix and match McChicken and McDouble deal for $3.99 in Western New York.
Here are the current restaurant meal deals for around $5
Value meals, McDonald’s
(from June 25)
$5
Includes a McChicken or McDouble sandwich, with four McNuggets, fries and a drink.
Meal your way for $5, Burger King
$5
Your choice of a Whopper Jr., Chicken Jr. or Bacon Cheeseburger; with Value fries, four chicken nuggets and a Value soft drink.
Biggie Bag, Wendy’s
From $5 (meal $444.4)
A long-standing menu item, Biggie Bags include a choice of one sandwich, four chicken nuggets, a junior fries and a soda.
There’s also a Jr. Cheeseburger 444 meal for $4, with fries, nuggets and a drink.
Pairing Menu, Starbucks
From $5
Choose between a large iced/hot coffee or tea with a buttery croissant or a large iced/hot coffee ($5) or tea with a breakfast sandwich ($6).
$4.99 Meal for One, KFC
$4.99
Two pieces of chicken – drum and top – with mashed potatoes and gravy and a biscuit.
Other promotions include $10 Tuesday, offering an eight-piece bucket containing drums and thighs. And KFC is offering free Sunday delivery throughout this summer for orders made on kfc.com or through the KFC app.
My Hut box, Pizza Hut
From $6.99
Choose a two-topping personal pizza, half a melt, then add a side of fries or four boneless wings.
Cravings Value Menu, Taco Bell
Items under $3 each
Announced at the start of the year, this menu offers 10 full-size dishes for less than $3 each. They include a spicy potato soft taco for $1.29; $1.99 double stacked taco; a double beef and cheese burrito for $2.79 and loaded beef nachos for $2.99.
There is also a build-your-own Cravings Box deal, online only, starting at $5.99 with a choice of a specialty item such as a Crunchwrap Supreme or Chalupa Supreme, with a choice of ‘a classic item including a burrito, soft taco or burrito; a side dish of your choice and a choice of medium fountain drink.
Chicken rings, White Castle
$3.99
A dozen chicken rounds with various flavors.
Other deals and offers are available through the White Castle app; many public holidays or significant events.
All Day Dining Deal, Denny’s
From $5.99
Six options include unlimited eggs, burgers, steak and pancakes.
Meal 3 for me, Chili’s
From $10.99
The formula includes a choice of drink, a starter and a main course.
Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X: @cherylvjackson.
