prices

Marketing

Applebee's picks a meal-deal fight with Chili's

Applebee’s took a page from Chili’s playbook with its new $9.99 Really Big Meal Deal. Now the bar-and-grill chain is poking its rival on social media as it looks to make up lost ground.

Operations

Chipotle raises menu prices nationally for the first time in more than a year

The fast-casual chain has held back on pricing in most regions while focusing on consistent portion sizes. But to address rising inflation, it raised menu prices about 2%.

The meal features a bacon cheeseburger or chicken sandwich, fries and a fountain drink. It’s part of a new approach to value at the casual-dining chain.

The casual-dining burger chain said the deals are needed to compete in the highly promotional market, and are designed to show off its improved food and service.

The fast-casual grilled-chicken chain launches a $5 Taco Tuesday promotion to spark trial after traffic plummets 7.6% in third quarter.

The officials accused the fast-food burger chain of setting prices higher than necessary. McDonald’s has said prices have risen in line with its costs.

Wages are rising faster than inflation, which could ultimately ease consumer pressure for lower prices. Meanwhile, grocery prices outpaced menu inflation last month.

Though fast-food chains have led the charge on low-priced meal deals, consumers now view casual dining as a better value, according to new research.

Market leaders like Circle K, Wawa and 7-Eleven are wooing deal hunters with meals priced as low as $3.

The Bottom Line: The price of gas has been falling much of the year and is below $3 per gallon in some states. Will that give operators a sales boost?

  • Page 3