SONIC Targets Traffic With New Value Offerings, Franchise Growth

Quick-service restaurants have been engaged in a value war over the past several years as inflation and broader economic pressures continue to weigh on consumer spending.

With chains increasingly leaning on discounts and bundled meal deals, operators are looking for ways to maintain traffic while competing with the seasonal shift toward at-home grilling.

Starting June 1, 2026, SONIC is introducing the $7 Big Deal Meal. The offering includes a SONIC® Cheeseburger, Small Premium Chicken Bites, a Medium Drink...

KFC Expands $10 Tuesday Into Weeklong Bucket Deal and Launches New Sauces

KFC is expanding its value platform by turning its longtime $10 Tuesday promotion into a weekday “Bucket of the Day” program, giving customers a different $10 bucket meal each weekday as the chain looks to drive traffic and dinnertime relevance.

The new lineup includes 24-piece nuggets on Monday and Friday, 8-piece drums and thighs on Tuesday, 10 wings on Wednesday, and 8 tenders on Thursday, all priced at $10.

“Figuring out what's for dinner is something...

Checkers & Rally's Raises the Bar on Value with New $3 Double Sandwich Lineup

Checkers & Rally's is turning up the flavor and the value once again. The drive-thru leaders are introducing a new $3 Double Sandwich lineup, delivering big, bold flavor at a price that's hard to beat.

With three bold options, guests get real variety and real value, with sandwiches starting at just $3 or available as part of a Small Combo with fries and a drink starting at $6.

Leading the lineup is the new Sourdough Double Melt, stacked...

Subway Pushes Protein and Value With New Fresh Value Menu

Subway is leaning into key industry trends, including protein and value, with its latest menu innovation. At participating locations, the sandwich chain has introduced Subway’s Fresh Value Menu, featuring 15 entrees priced under $5, with most offering nearly 20 grams of protein. The launch follows the brand’s recently promoted Sub of the Day offer, which features a different six-inch sub each day of the week for $4.99.

"Subway's Fresh Value Menu proves you don't have to choose between eating well and saving money," said Dave Skena...

Evolving Strategies and Market Momentum in Foodservice

The foodservice industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with major consolidation moves, strategic partnerships, and value-driven innovation shaping the landscape. This biweekly roundup highlights a blockbuster acquisition poised to reshape distribution, high-profile collaborations bringing new offerings to consumers, and continued momentum in emerging categories like sushi. At the same time, operators are doubling down on menu innovation and aggressive value platforms to navigate cost pressures and drive traffic, signaling a competitive environment where scale, differentiation, and affordability are more critical...

McDonald's Expands McValue Menu with Under $3 Menu and Breakfast Meal Deals

McDonald's is expanding its McValue menu, including an Under $3 Menu and a $4 Breakfast Meal Deal, as an industry-focused response to rising costs, giving operators flexible offers to protect traffic and margins while still delivering value.

"For generations, McDonald's has been committed to delivering great value our fans can count on," said Alyssa Buetikofer, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, McDonald's USA. "As our customers' expectations evolve, we're making it easier for them...

Friendly’s Brings Joy to the Table With Fiesta Flavors, Dirty Sodas and 10 Under $10 Value Menu

Friendly’s is turning mealtime into a fiesta this spring with the launch of its Fiesta Flavors menu, a trio of new Dirty Sodas and an all-new 10 Under $10 Value Menu, all available starting March 11. The limited-time offerings blend comfort and creativity, giving families new reasons to gather while keeping value front and center.

Headlining the launch is the Fiesta Flavors lineup, featuring four limited-time entrées (each starting at $15.99):

Southwest Taco Burger...

Circana Reports Value Menus Drive Restaurant Traffic Growth

This year, many industry players have responded to consumers' demand for affordable value amid turbulent and unpredictable economic times.

The surge in value meals has sparked a competitive wave of advertising and marketing, emphasizing to customers that quality foodservice can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.