Summer food savings: Subway drops footlong sandwich price, Chili's puts pressure on fast food competition
From McDonald's to Chipotle, see which chains are helping people save.
As Americans cash in on summer savings -- especially as inflation continues to cause food prices to rise -- more companies are dishing out deals and freebies from fast casual restaurant chains to drive-thrus and delivery services.
McDonald's and Burger King made headlines earlier this summer with dueling $5 meal bundles to drive customer retention, but other fast food competitors -- and even some restaurant chains and grocery services -- have plated up seasonally timed promos to entice eaters who are hungry for the best deal.
Subway drops price of footlong sandwiches
Sandwich fans can now enjoy the famed footlong from Subway for just $6.99 using the promo code 699FL when ordering online or in the Subway App for a limited time.
The company announced the new promo, which runs from August 26 through September 8, as other fast casual eateries continue to boast savings for financially stressed consumers.
"Today's diner is stretched more than ever, and too often that means a tradeoff on quality, variety or flavor to find an affordable meal," Doug Fry, President of Subway North America said in a statement. "At Subway, our definition of value is a mix of delicious options at the right price without compromising quality. Our menu is full of footlongs for every budget, and this new deal means our guests can get the sandwiches they crave at a great value."
Fry previously discussed the current quick service restaurant landscape and pricing trends with "Good Morning America" earlier this summer while sharing the news of their $3 dipper deal.
Chili's takes a bite at fast food wars with new deals; 3 for Me
CEO of Brinker International and President of Chili's Kevin Hochman, told "GMA" earlier this month that the industry is "very competitive" right now and that "when competition heats up, the consumer always wins."
"Our consumers are looking for a great deal to try to get through and make ends meet. The reality is, I think, if you can deliver incredible value with incredible abundance and delicious, tasty food -- and do that at an attractive price -- you're going to win in that market and that's exactly what Chili's is doing right now."
Chili's recently launched an advertising campaign comparing the restaurant to fast food to highlight both the quality and value.
"Our marketing guys constantly listen to social media and they hear this chatter about people are really frustrated with the rising fast food prices," Hochman said. "And we were like -- 'why don't we just go directly at them?'"
Chili's offers an array of deals on dishes, including a 3 for Me value meal that comes with the customer's choice of beverage, appetizer, and main course and rivals some fast food combo meal prices, Hochman explained.
"We have an almost half-pound burger, fries, unlimited chips and salsa and an unlimited drink for just $10.99, that's less than a lot of combo prices out there," he said. "The last three or four months behind this campaign have been incredible and we're leading the industry in growth."
Here's a snapshot of other spots offering up more summer savings.
$1 Frosty's at Wendy's and value menu deals
Starting this week and throughout the rest of summer, Wendy's is offering its iconic Frosty treats for just a buck.
Customers can get a small Frosty for $1 at participating Wendy's restaurants nationwide through September 15.
Earlier this summer the fast-food chain launched a $3 English muffin meal combo on its breakfast menu that comes with a small portion of seasoned potatoes and choice of either a bacon, egg, and cheese English muffin sandwich or a sausage, egg and cheese English muffin sandwich.
Plus, the fast food chain has another longstanding value offer, the $5 Biggie Bag -- a meal deal that includes a choice of one of three sandwiches, spicy or classic chicken nuggets, fries, and a small soft drink.
Sonic steps into value menu arena
Sonic launched a new $1.99 menu with an array of items, each for just $1.99, all day, every day.
The menu, nicknamed the FUN.99 Menu, includes Queso Wraps, a Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger, Chili Cheese Coney, Small Tots, and any of the 12 flavors of Sonic Shakes in a 16-ounce size.
Plus, all Sonic drinks and slushes are half-price for customers who order in the Sonic App.
Starbucks new pairing menu, $6 breakfast combo
The popular Seattle-based coffee chain introduced a new drink and breakfast combo starting at just $5.
Customers can order any tall, 12-ounce iced or hot coffee or tea with a butter croissant for $5, or upgrade to any savory breakfast sandwich -- sausage, cheddar and egg sandwich; bacon, gouda and egg sandwich; turkey bacon, cheddar and egg white sandwich; or chicken, maple butter and egg sandwich -- for $6.
Plus, customers can opt for a larger beverage size, or customize the beverage or food, in each pairing for an additional charge.
Burger King $5 value meal
The Miami-based burger chain confirmed last month to ABC News that it was accelerating value offers with its $5 Your Way deal launching in June.
The deal includes a choice of one of three sandwiches, a Whopper Jr., Chicken Jr. or Bacon Cheeseburger, with chicken nuggets, fries and a soft drink for just $5.
McDonald's $5 value meal
The Golden Arches will soon roll out its new bundle offer that includes four items: a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, small fries, small soft drink and a four-piece Chicken McNuggets for just $5, starting later this month on June 25 for a limited time.
An earlier version of this story was first published on June 7, 2024.