As consumers continue to pull back from fast-food restaurants owing to price concerns amid pressing inflation, the chains are looking to woo them back—and the value meal is a tried-and-true method to do so. While combo meals are pretty much an everyday thing in the quick service world, this summer has seen a flurry of them that’s more widespread than any in recent memory.
Part of that is the result of “McFlation” claims, which followed reports of nearly $8 chicken sandwiches and $18 Big Mac meals. (McDonald’s USA president Joe Erlinger addressed that last month, issuing a public letter to counter what he called the “viral social posts and poorly sourced reports that McDonald’s has raised prices significantly beyond inflationary rates.”)
Whether true or not, consumers believe fast food has gotten too expensive—and not just at McDonald’s. That’s led to a price war that’s being fought on a number of fronts.
Here’s a look at the meal deals and promotions consumers can grab in the summer of 2024.
McDonald’s
Starting June 25, the fast-food chain is offering a new $5 meal at most locations nationwide, which includes a McDouble cheeseburger or McChicken sandwich, small french fries, four-piece Chicken McNuggets, and a small soft drink.
The company is also touting deals offered by local franchisees, which vary 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 $1 minimum purchase 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 made on the company’s app. (You can choose from either chocolate or triple berry flavors.) The combo comes with a choice of sandwich (either a double junior bacon cheeseburger or a crispy chicken sandwich), four-piece chicken nuggets, fries, and a small soft drink. The deal will run through June 30.
Wendy’s will also offer a free small Frosty with any $5 purchase from July 1 to July 7, when customers use the app.
Burger King
Not to be left out, Burger King brought back its $5 Your Way Meal on June 13, giving customers the choice of either a Whopper Jr., Bacon Cheeseburger, or Chicken Jr., plus fries, a four-piece chicken nuggets, and a soft drink. The special is expected to run throughout the summer.
Checkers/Rally’s
From July 1 through July 12, fans of the sister chains will have the chance to win a Fry Pass, which will earn them a year’s worth of fully loaded fries. The chains plan to pick 100 winners.
Additionally, Checkers and Rally’s will provide a free regular-size Fully Loaded fry order with any purchase in the company’s app between July 12 and July 14.
Sonic
Rather than just offering a short-term deal, the drive-in chain has launched a new permanent value menu, offering a variety of items for $1.99 each, including a quarter-pound double cheeseburger, small tots, a 16 oz. Shake, the company’s new queso wrap and a chili cheese coney.
Chipotle
Chipotle is not offering any big, bold new combos these days, but it is giving five fans the chance to own the company’s Celebrity Card, which will give them access to one free meal a day at the restaurant as well as catering for up to 50 people once a year. Fans can submit their application for the card through July 3 via TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter/X, using the hashtag #CelebCardContest. Winners will be contacted on July 12.
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 Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, a Double Stacked Taco, chips and nacho cheese sauce, and a medium fountain drink. The company did not provide a time frame for the promotion.
Starbucks
Starbucks isn’t known for combo meals, but amid the competition, the coffee chain has introduced a new “pairings menu,” which gives customers the ability to pair a tall hot or iced tea or coffee with some staple foods, including a butter croissant or breakfast sandwich. Prices for the limited-time offer range from $5 to $6.
Chili’s
Like burgers? We mean really like burgers? Chili’s is offering one lucky winner a lifetime supply. (Technically, you’ll get a 40-year supply of burgers, 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 on the company’s update of the classic arcade video game BurgerTime. The contest is open to customers 18 years or older and runs through July 14.
