In the battle to attract inflation-weary consumers, McDonald’s $5 meal deal has proven to be a significant draw. Since the introduction of the bundle in late June, foot traffic to McDonald’s restaurants has surged, according to a report from foot traffic analytics firm Placer.ai.
The launch of the deal on Tuesday, June 25, marked McDonald’s busiest Tuesday of the year thus far. The chain saw an 8.0% increase in visits compared to the year-to-date average, with similar patterns in the days that followed. On July 2, McDonald’s exceeded that average again, indicating strong consumer interest in the bundle.
The $5 meal deal, available for about two more weeks, includes a choice of a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, four-piece chicken McNuggets, small fries, and a small drink. McDonald’s initially planned to promote the deal for only a month.
Additionally, McDonald’s offers another promotion where customers who spend at least $1 on Fridays can get a free order of fries. This offer is available every Friday through the end of 2024 but requires purchase through the McDonald’s app.
McDonald’s is not alone in seeing an increase in customer visits due to discounted deals. Other casual dining chains, such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Starbucks, and Chili’s, have also experienced a boost in foot traffic, according to Placer.ai.
Several other chains are also competing for consumer dollars amid the inflation economy. Arby’s recently introduced a $9 bundle, while Sonic added a permanent $1.99 value menu. Taco Bell offers a $7 Luxe Cravings Box, a $5 Taco Discovery Box, and its Cravings Value Menu. Burger King’s $5 “Your Way Meal” bundle and Wendy’s $3 breakfast bundle, along with Wendy’s $5 combo named the “Biggie Bag,” which includes a Frosty, are also part of the ongoing price wars.