January is typically the month to cut back on calories, as consumers try to counteract holiday overindulgence with healthier eating. But cutting back on spending is another goal for many people, as they recover from holiday shopping sprees. A number of operators are aiming to satisfy these cost-conscious consumers with discounts and value menus. These deals can benefit the restaurant too—when customers see a discount bundled into a meal package, they tend to order more food and spend more. Here’s a roundup of chains offering winter meal deals.
The QSR’s latest 4 for $4 combo meal includes two tacos (which count as one item), a junior burger, small fries and small fountain drink. It’s a repeat of a deal offered previously for $3.99, but Jack in the Box downsized the regular burger to a junior size.
In keeping with its approach to spur purchases by offering unique dollar menu items for a limited time, Taco Bell introduced $1 Double Stacked Tacos in December. The three flavors—cool habanero, nacho crunch and spicy sweet—all feature a crisp taco shell inside a soft flour tortilla, with fillings of beef, cheese and a variety of sauces.
Last month, McDonald’s returned its McPick 2 to the menu, adding the choice of a triple cheeseburger—formerly available only in selected markets—to the $5 deal across all locations. Other options include chicken nuggets, a Filet-O-Fish sandwich and a quarter pounder with cheese.
Now through March 26, Boston Market’s 2 for $20 meal deal is returning, offering guests two individual meals, two drinks and two desserts. For the first time, singles also can take advantage of the deal with the chain’s 1 for $10 promotion. Among the choices are meatloaf and rotisserie chicken or turkey, each served with two sides and cornbread, a drink and dessert.
Casual-dining chains are also jumping on the meal deal bandwagon this winter. Olive Garden is expanding on its popular never-ending pasta deal with the debut of Never Ending Classics, starting at $11.99. Customers can blow their diets by choosing endless helpings of five items, including fettucine Alfredo, lasagna and chicken parmigiana, even switching up seconds and thirds with different entrees.
Chili’s 3 for Me—a $10 three-course dinner special—was updated with new entree selections for 2017. Now available are barbecue ribs and chicken in addition to fajitas and a variety of burgers. The LTO also includes an appetizer of salad or chips and salsa, and mini molten chocolate cake for dessert.
Wednesdays are deal day at Outback, when the chain offers a $9.99 dinner promoted under the newly introduced banner of Walkabout Wednesdays. Customers have the choice of either a 6-ounce sirloin or grilled chicken, and get a side of fries and a small domestic beer or soft drink in the bargain.