McDonald’s Unveils Their New $5 Meal Just in Time For Summer – Franchise is Trying to Focus on ‘Value’

By: Sam Watanuki | Published: Jun 21, 2024

This summer, McDonald’s introduces a $5 Meal Deal, launching on June 25. The deal is part of the fast food giant’s effort to provide more value amidst rising food prices.

Customers can enjoy a choice of main items, along with fries and a drink, making it a perfect, affordable summer treat.

What’s Included in the $5 Meal Deal?

The $5 Meal Deal includes a choice of a McDouble or McChicken, a 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries, and a small soft drink.

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A photograph of a McDonald’s employee giving a bag of food to a customer through the drive-thru window

Source: Adobe Stock

This combination offers a variety of flavors, ensuring there’s something for everyone. It’s ultimately designed to give fans a satisfying meal at a reasonable price.

Joe Erlinger's Statement on Value

Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s USA, emphasized the company’s commitment to value, stating, “We heard our fans loud and clear – they’re looking for even more great value from us.”

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A photograph of a large menu at a McDonald’s restaurant

Source: @Restaurant Menu/YouTube

This meal deal aims to uphold McDonald’s legacy of offering affordable, delicious options for customers.

Free Fries Friday

For those using the McDonald’s App, there’s an extra treat: “Free Fries Friday.” With a minimum purchase of $1, customers can get free medium fries every Friday, nationwide, until the end of the year.

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Two creamy cups next to French fries on a tray besides a Grandma McFlurry brown bag

Source: McDonald’s USA, LLC/McDonald’s Official Website

This offer adds even more value for McDonald’s app users.

Local Franchise Deals Across the U.S.

McDonald’s franchises are also rolling out local deals. In Memphis, Tennessee, there’s a buy-one-get-one-for-$1 breakfast sandwich offer.

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More than a dozen people wait in line at a McDonald’s restaurant

Source: Flickr

Meanwhile, in Western New York, customers can enjoy a McChicken and McDouble mix-and-match deal for $3.99, adding regional flavors to the value menu.

Economic Pressures and Consumer Spending

During recent earnings calls, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski highlighted the importance of affordability in the current economic climate.

A McDonald’s restaurant with several customers waiting in line

Source: Depositphotos

“Consumers continue to be even more discriminating with every dollar that they spend,” he noted. This makes affordable meal options like the $5 Meal Deal essential for retaining customers.

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McDonald's Commitment to Affordable Dining

Value has always been central to McDonald’s brand, with Erlinger stating, “Value has always been part of our DNA.”

Source: BrokenSphere/Wikipedia Commons

This summer’s meal deal is a continuation of that commitment, providing customers with affordable, high-quality food options.

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Customer Feedback Driving New Deals

McDonald’s listened to its customers, who have voiced concerns over rising prices.

A photograph of a meal from McDonald’s including a burger, fries, and a drink

Source: Depositphotos

The introduction of the $5 Meal Deal is a direct response to these concerns, aiming to offer more value and keep customers satisfied without breaking the bank.

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Affordable Options in a Competitive Market

The fast food industry is highly competitive, and McDonald’s new meal deal helps it stand out.

A close-up of a McDonald’s drive-thru menu seen outside.

Source: Erik Mclean/Unsplash

By offering a complete meal for $5, McDonald’s not only attracts budget-conscious customers but also strengthens its position in the market.

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Importance of App Engagement

The addition of “Free Fries Friday” for app users is a strategic move to increase digital engagement.

A McDonald’s automated kiosk for ordering and paying

Source: @PennLive/YouTube

By encouraging customers to use the app, McDonald’s can enhance customer loyalty and gather valuable data to further refine their offerings.

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Seasonal Promotions Boosting Sales

Seasonal promotions like the $5 Meal Deal are designed to boost sales during the summer months.

A McDonald’s employee serves a customer their meal on a tray

Source: Shutterstock

These limited-time offers create a sense of urgency, encouraging customers to visit more frequently to take advantage of the deals.

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McDonald's Future Plans

As McDonald’s continues to innovate and respond to customer feedback, more value-focused deals are likely to emerge.

A customer drinking a soda in front of a McDonald’s restaurant

Source: Reddit

The company’s ongoing commitment to affordability ensures that it remains a favorite dining choice for many, regardless of economic pressures.

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