McDonald’s is rolling back prices on some of its most popular combo meals in an effort to restore its image as an affordable fast-food option. The move comes just weeks after the company acknowledged that rising costs had driven away value-seeking customers.
Beginning next month, eight of the chain’s top-selling combo meals will be priced at about 15% less than if the items were bought individually. McDonald’s and its U.S. franchisees agreed to the cuts, with corporate support helping offset the financial impact for participating restaurants.
The company also plans to expand its meal deals, including a \$5 breakfast option and an \$8 Big Mac-and-McNuggets special. These offerings will revive the “Extra Value Meals” branding that once defined the chain’s affordability pitch.
McDonald’s has faced growing criticism in recent years over prices that often exceed \$10 for a single combo meal. The issue drew national attention in 2023 when an \$18 Big Mac meal at a rest stop went viral, sparking complaints that the brand had strayed from its roots. While the company later said that example was an outlier, the episode highlighted consumer frustration.
The shift comes amid broader inflation-driven changes in how Americans view dining options. Once considered a budget alternative, McDonald’s has sometimes been compared unfavorably with sit-down chains like Applebee’s and Chili’s, which have managed to attract price-sensitive diners with more substantial meals.
To counteract that perception, McDonald’s has leaned on limited-time promotions and themed offerings, such as collaborations with entertainment brands. Its \$5 value meal, introduced last year, helped stabilize sales and demonstrated the enduring demand for lower-priced combos.
Source: CNN