Fast food used to be enticing because it offered hearty food at a great price. Today, that’s not necessarily the case. Inflation has hit every industry – and restaurant chains are no exception. As a result, the perceived value of fast food has diminished in the eyes of many consumers. However, newer inexpensive meals have tempered that perception.
In 2024, many quick-service restaurants have gotten creative to win back their customers. From hearty breakfasts to value meals that are more than half off, here’s a look at four fast-food offerings that caught consumers’ attention.
Millennial Marketing
Panera recently revamped its menu and added a new item specifically aimed at those born between 1981 and 2003: avocado toast.
On July 31, National Avocado Day, Panera launched a special offer just for millennials, offering a free avocado toast product with any purchase. For those who missed the campaign, every millennial’s favorite breakfast item is still a good deal, starting at $3.49.
Focus on diversity
Sonic has added its own value menu: The Fun 99 Menu, which features a wide variety of dishes like cheeseburgers and wraps for just $1.99 each. This offering stands out because of its wide variety of menu options. Sonic customers can try many different things and combine something new every time they visit the chain.
Start the day right
For just $3, Wendy’s offers a breakfast special with its English Muffin.
The offer includes a choice of a bacon, egg and cheese English muffin or a sausage, egg and cheese English muffin, paired with a small portion of seasoned potatoes. The offer was created to boost breakfast visits to the chain and, helped by a humorous advertising campaign, has not disappointed.
Taco Bell gets involved
Taco Bell’s Luxe Cravings Box is probably the bargain of the summer, as it is 55% cheaper than ordering the individual items, according to Eat this, not that.
The Luxe Cravings Box includes a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, a Double Stacked Taco, a Chalupa Supreme, chips and cheese, and a medium drink. Offer valid for a limited time through September.
Along with the weather, the so-called “value wars” have also intensified this year – and even with autumn approaching, there are no signs of cooling down.
The Food Institute Podcast
In the fast-paced and highly regulated world of manufacturing, especially in the food and beverage industry, maintaining strict hygiene standards is not just best practice – it is a necessity. Steve Voelzke, President of Robroy IndustriesSiemens’ Electrical Products division investigated why a holistic approach is so important and how it can significantly reduce the risk of product recalls.
