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As consumers continue to pull back from fast food<\/a> restaurants due to price concerns amid pressing inflation, the chains are looking to woo them back\u2014and 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\u2019s more widespread than any in recent memory.<\/p>\n Part of that is due to claims of \u201cMcFlation<\/a>,\u201d which followed reports of about $8 chicken sandwiches and $18 Big Mac meals. (McDonald\u2019s CEO Joe Erlinger addressed that last month, issuing a public letter<\/a> to counter what he called the \u201cviral social posts and poorly sourced reports that McDonald\u2019s has raised prices significantly beyond inflationary rates\u201d. )<\/p>\n Whether true or not, consumers believe fast food has gotten too expensive\u2014and not just at McDonald\u2019s. That\u2019s led to a price war that\u2019s being fought on a number of fronts.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a look at the meal deals and promotions consumers can grab in the summer of 2024.<\/p>\n Starting June 25, the fast-food chain will offer a new $5 meal<\/a> at most locations nationwide, which includes a McDouble cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich, small french fries, 4-piece chicken nuggets and small soft drink.<\/p>\n The company is also touting deals offered by local franchisees which vary store to store. Some McDonald\u2019s in Memphis, Tenn., for example, are offering buy-one-get-one-free breakfast sandwiches and Columbus, Ohio is offering a double cheeseburger and small fries for $3.50.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Wendy\u2019s is putting more food into its $5 Biggie Bag, adding a free small Frosty to all orders made on the company\u2019s app. (You can choose from either chocolate or triple berry flavors.) The combo comes with the choice of sandwich (either a double junior bacon cheeseburger or a crispy chicken sandwich), with a 4-piece nuggets, fries and a small soft drink. The deal will run through June 30.<\/p>\n Wendy\u2019s will also offer a free small Frosty with any $5 purchase from July 1 to July 7, when customers use the app.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n From July 1 through 12, fans of the sister chains will have the chance to win a Fry Pass, which will earn them a year\u2019s worth of fully loaded fries. The chains plan to pick 100 winners.<\/p>\n Additionally, Checkers and Rally\u2019s will give a free regular sized Fully Loaded fry order with any purchase in the company\u2019s app between July 12 and July 14.<\/p>\n Chipotle\u2019s not offering any big, bold, new combos these days, but it is giving five fans the chance to own the company\u2019s Celebrity Card<\/a>, 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<\/a> and Twitter\/X, using the hashtag #CelebCardContest. Winners will be contacted on July 12.<\/p>\n Taco Bell joined the value meal wars on June 27, debuting its Luxe Cravings Box<\/a>. The $7 combo gives customers 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 give a length for the promotion.<\/p>\n Starbucks<\/a> isn\u2019t known for combo meals, but amidst the competition, the coffee chain has introduced<\/a> a new \u201cpairings menu,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Like burgers? We mean REALLY like burgers? Chili\u2019s is offering one lucky winner a lifetime supply<\/a>. (Technically, you\u2019ll get a 40-year supply of burgers, in the form of $31,200 in Chili\u2019s Gift Cards, as well as a $10,296 cash payment to cover the taxes that go with the prize.) To win, you\u2019ll need to get the highest score on the company\u2019s update of the classic arcade video game BurgerTime. The contest is open to customers 18 years or older and runs through July 14.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nMcDonald\u2019s<\/h2>\n
Wendy\u2019s<\/h2>\n
Burger King<\/h2>\n
Checker\u2019s\/Rally\u2019s<\/h2>\n
Chipotle<\/h2>\n
Taco Bell<\/h2>\n
Starbucks<\/h2>\n
Chili\u2019s<\/h2>\n
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