Fast-food joints are undergoing a major overhaul, with menu revamps sweeping across the industry.
Fast-food giants Dunkin', KFC, Subway, Taco Bell, and Wendy's are dialing up the affordability factor in their menus to entice cost-conscious consumers grappling with rising prices. Here's a lowdown on the latest deals:
McDonald's has introduced the "McValue" menu, a permanent category boasting buy-one-get-one-for-$1 deals, app exclusives, and food and drink franchiser specials. The chain, under pressure to draw in traffic, launched the move amidst the traditionally slow start of the year.
Dunkin'
Dunkin' rolled out a $5 all-day breakfast offering, featuring two Wake-Up Wraps, and a large coffee or iced coffee. However, some customers voiced displeasure, as the new deal appeared to offer less food for roughly the same price of the previous $6 meal deal.
KFC
KFC's kickstart to the year includes $5 bowls, featuring a choice of five meals, like the fan-favorite mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, cheese, and chicken nuggets. Despite an earlier unsuccessful $5 meal attempt, the bowls aim to compete with chicken chains like Wingstop and Raising Cane’s.
Subway
Subway's revamped approach includes a "Meal of the Day," priced at $6.99 for a six-inch sub or $9.99 for a footlong, with a drink and snacks. The chain hopes this change will achieve greater success than its previous attempts at a value meal that ended prematurely due to low sales.
Taco Bell
The taco giant's $7 "Luxe Cravings Box" proved so popular it's returning at lower price points, $5 and $9, from January 16th until early June. The box includes popular menu items, from burritos and tacos to cinnamon twists.
Wendy's
Wendy's introduced the "2 for $7" deal, allowing customers to mix and match from four options, including hamburgers, sandwiches, and nuggets. The offer joins other deals, like the $5 "Biggie Bag" and an early-March ending 2 for $3 breakfast bundle.
These promotions showcase fast-food chains' strategic focus on cost-conscious consumers, offering affordable meal options and incentivizing customers through bundled meals and deals.
Following the trend of affordability, Dunkin' has now offered a $5 all-day breakfast option, comprising two Wake-Up Wraps and a large coffee or iced coffee, although some customers have expressed disappointment due to perceived reduction in food quantity. On the other hand, KFC is countering competition with $5 bowls, featuring various meal options like mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, cheese, and chicken nuggets, aiming to attract budget-conscious customers.
