McDonald’s Summer Meal Deals: What We Know

In an effort to get more customers into stores, McDonald’s has been offering meal deals all summer long.

Last month, the fast-food giant announced the relaunch of its $5 meal deal for a limited time, which will be available beginning Tuesday, June 25.

A McChicken or McDouble, four-piece chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink are all included in the special. The objective of this action is to offer consumers reasonably priced choices in the face of growing food costs and financial strains.

This program was launched in response to customer backlash against the fast-food business. Despite increasing prices driving up average checks, McDonald’s reported mixed first-quarter results, with U.S. same-store sales slightly below estimates. Because of the higher pricing, the company observed that customers are becoming more frugal with their expenditures, underscoring the significance of affordability in drawing diners.

At the same time, the limited-edition “Grandma McFlurry” was introduced. A limited-edition dessert, the delectable treat consists of a combination of vanilla ice cream, syrup, and crispy candy pieces. This new confection is meant to bring back fond memories, like the classic candies that are frequently connected to grandmothers.

Let’s take a look at some of the other deals available at McDonald’s throughout the season.

McDonald’s Summer Meal Deals: Beat the Heat

Food & Wine has a full list of promotions that will be available to consumers throughout the summer. The fast-food giant announced that it is bringing back its Free Fries Friday promotion, which is only available to those who use the proprietary app. Through the end of 2024, customers can receive a free medium fry with any purchase that requires a $1 minimum.

McDonald’s corporate is also encouraging its customers to use the app when placing orders, as there will be flash deals announced throughout the summer. What’s more, customers can also earn points that can be converted to free food after the limited-time deals run out.

The company also revealed that neighborhood deals will be offered by franchisees across the United States. These deals will include discounts such as the Buy One Get One for $1 Breakfast Sandwich offer in Memphis, Tennessee, the $3.50 double cheeseburger and small fries pairing in Columbus, Ohio, and the $3.99 mix-and-match McChicken and McDouble deal in Western New York.

“Affordable prices and creating memorable moments are what McDonald’s is all about,” John Palmaccio, a McDonald’s owner-operator and Operator’s National Advertising Fund Chair, said in a statement to Food & Wine. “As small business owners, it’s our responsibility to deliver great value to our local communities when they need it most. The $5 Meal Deal is the perfect complement to the everyday local deals customers can find in-store and on the app, like the 25% off any purchase of $10 or more deal that I’m offering at my restaurants in Savannah, Georgia.”

It is important to note that franchisees, not corporate, set prices at various McDonald’s restaurants, which is why there is such a high fluctuation in prices and deals across the country.

Inflation Price Point Concerns

In an effort to increase traffic, McDonald’s has made promises in recent months to reinstate investments in value meals, special offers, and giveaways.

“I fully expect the prices at your local McDonald’s to be an area of conversation and focus in the coming months. As it does, I hope you’ll see the programs we’re launching nationally and locally as meaningful to you. At the same time, I hope it’s helpful to see some of the common myths that I’ve encountered, and the facts that go along with them,” said the company’s president in an open letter to consumers.

Value menus and promotions have also been offered by Burger King, Wendy’s, KFC, Taco Bell, and other fast-food chains for the first time largely since before the COVID-19 pandemic. This has some investors worried that a pricing war will just lower the QSR industry’s margins without substantially increasing traffic.