NEW YORK — Americans have swallowed about as much inflation as they can handle after years of rising food prices, including at restaurants.
Some consumers have become so irked by price increases that they've stopped visiting the drive-thru altogether. But food giants like Burger King, McDonald's and Wendy's have taken notice, with many launching value meal deals this year in hopes of drawing in more customers.
Here's a list of food promotions currently being offered by popular restaurant chains around the U.S.:
Burger King
In June, the home of the Whopper began offering a $5 meal to compete with McDonald's. The $5 meal offers customers a choice of one of three sandwiches along with chicken nuggets, fries and a drink. The burger chain didn't give an exact time frame for the offer, but said the $5 meal would begin on a trial basis.
Chili's
Chili's added a chicken sandwich and cheeseburger to its pre-existing lower-priced menu in April. The restaurant chain said customers can order either of those items, plus fries and a drink, for $10.99 from its 3 for Me menu. Chili's first launched 3 for Me in 2022.
Denny's
The restaurant that gave America the Grand Slam breakfast revived its $5.99 All-Day Diner Deals in April. The deal offers customers a choice of quarter-pound cheeseburger, country fried steak, scrambled eggs and cheddar or all-you-can-eat pancakes. Denny's hasn't revealed if or when the promo will end.
IHOP
Speaking of all-you-can-eat flapjacks, the pancake restaurant chain IHOP is offering all-you-can-eat pancakes for $5 until September 15. The promotion is for dine-in customers at U.S.-based locations only. Participating customers get a full stack of five buttermilk pancakes, followed by additional flapjacks, served two at a time, as requested.
KFC
KFC began offering its Taste of KFC Deals in April. One of the meals includes two pieces of chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and a biscuit for $4.99. Another value meal, offered on Tuesdays, entails a bucket of eight pieces of chicken for $10. KFC said both promos will last until the end of 2024.
McDonald's
McDonald's launched a temporary $5 value meal promotion on June 25 and has since extended the promo, according to the fast-food chain. The deal includes a choice of McChicken sandwich, McDouble hamburger or four-piece chicken nuggets, plus small fries and a small drink.
Starbucks
In June, Starbucks launched its "pairings" menu, which allows customers to buy a tall-sized hot or iced coffee or tea and a croissant for $5. Under the deal customers can also get a tall-sized coffee or tea with a breakfast sandwich at $6 or $7, depending on the sandwich. Starbucks hasn't revealed when the pairings menu deal will end.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell introduced its $7 Luxe Cravings Box in July. The meal includes a Chalupa Supreme, Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, Double Stacked Taco, chips and nacho cheese sauce, and a medium drink. The Yum Brands-owned chain said Luxe Cravings is a temporary promotion, but hasn't specified when the deal would end.
Wendy's
In May, Wendy's began offering customers a $3 breakfast combo deal that includes an egg and cheese English muffin sandwich with bacon or sausage, along with a side of seasoned potatoes. Breakfast hours begin between 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. local time, depending on the restaurant, according to the Wendy's website. Breakfast hours end at 10:30 a.m.