On Tuesday, McDonald's announced a significant expansion of its value menu, aiming to appeal to price-conscious diners across the nation. Starting Monday, the fast-food giant will reintroduce its popular Extra Value Meals, a promotion that has not been seen since before the Covid-19 pandemic. This initiative is part of McDonald’s strategy to offer better savings for customers who are looking for budget-friendly meal options.
According to the company, customers will benefit from a 15% discount on combo meals when compared to purchasing each item—an entree, fries, and a drink—individually. This move is particularly noteworthy as, for over a year, McDonald's and its competitors have leaned heavily on discounts and promotions in an effort to entice customers back into their restaurants. The fast-food industry has experienced a decline in traffic, largely due to reduced spending among low-income consumers.
Last summer, McDonald's successfully launched its $5 value meal, which was so well-received that the company decided to extend the promotion beyond its initial period. Additionally, a buy one, get one for $1 deal was introduced to further enhance the menu's value offerings. The newly revamped Extra Value Meals encompass a diverse selection of eight combo meals, showcasing a range of McDonald's favorite items. These include:
Sausage McMuffin with Egg Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle Egg McMuffin Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit Big Mac 10-piece Chicken McNuggets Any Quarter Pounder burger Any McCrispy SandwichTo further promote the expansion of its value menu, McDonald's will be offering exclusive deals for a limited time. Customers can enjoy a Sausage McMuffin with Egg, paired with a hash brown and a small coffee, for just $5. Additionally, a Big Mac with medium fries and a medium soft drink will be available for $8. These limited-time offers are designed to attract both loyal and new customers seeking affordable meal options.
Joe Erlinger, McDonald's U.S. President, expressed pride in the company's commitment to delivering value and affordability to customers. "McDonald's USA is laser-focused on delivering value and affordability for our customers, and I'm incredibly proud of how our franchisees and teams continue to step up to make it a reality," he stated in a press release on Tuesday.
During the most recent earnings conference call in early August, CEO Chris Kempczinski reiterated the importance of catering to low-income consumers, highlighting their frequent visits to McDonald’s restaurants compared to middle- and high-income consumers. "Reengaging the low-income consumer is critical," Kempczinski noted, emphasizing the company's strategy to broaden its appeal in a competitive market.
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance value for customers, McDonald's has additional deals scheduled for later this year. Starting in November, the chain plans to offer Sausage, Egg and Cheese McGriddles for $5 and 10-piece Chicken McNuggets meals for $8. These promotions are expected to further solidify McDonald’s position as a go-to destination for affordable fast food, ensuring that customers continue to find value in their dining choices.
