McDonald's plans $5 value meal. Hold my Frosty, Wendy's says, announcing $3 breakfast meal

Chad Murphy, Columbus Dispatch
·2 min read
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Are the fast-food wars heating up? A new front over the cost of value meals might have opened recently.

Just days after reports surfaced that fast-food giant McDonald's is planning a $5 value meal promotion in June, Dublin, Ohio-based Wendy's has returned fire with a $3 breakfast meal.

Here's what to know.

McDonald's planning limited-time $5 value meal, adds Grandma McFlurry

McDonald's value meal will include a McChicken or McDouble, four-piece chicken nuggets, fries and a drink for $5, CNBC reports. The promotion will run for about a month, beginning June 25.

CNBC reports McDonald's U.S. same-store results slightly missed expectations in its mixed first-quarter results. Consumers are cutting their spending amid higher prices and rising interest rates, CNBC reports. The promotion comes at a time when restaurants similar to McDonald's are starting to feel the cuts.

Also, McDonald's new Grandma McFlurry dropped Tuesday at restaurants nationwide, USA TODAY reports. McDonald’s has stayed quiet about the flavor, stating it is made with “delicious syrup and chopped candy pieces.” Distractify reports the new McFlurry "tastes like nostalgia." Author Allison DeGrushe believes the syrup to be caramel and the candy either butterscotch or hard caramels.

The fast food giant is also giving away free six-piece McNuggets Wednesday on orders through the app.

Restaurant Business speculates whether McDonald's value meal move could intensify a fast-food price war this summer as restaurants try to draw customers.

And the publication might be right, with Wendy's being quick to answer.

Wendy's announced a $3 breakfast value meal Monday. (Photo courtesy of Wendy's)
Wendy's announced a $3 breakfast value meal Monday. (Photo courtesy of Wendy's)

Wendy's announces $3 breakfast meal, new sausage breakfast burrito

On Monday, Wendy's announced a $3 breakfast value meal, including seasoned potatoes and the choice of a Bacon, Egg & Cheese English Muffin or a Sausage, Egg & Cheese English Muffin, according to a press release. The value meal was available immediately.

Wendy's also announced it is adding a Sausage Breakfast Burrito at participating locations. The new item, inspired by the Bacon Breakfast Burrito launched earlier this year, includes a sausage patty, eggs, seasoned potatoes, American cheese and cheese sauce wrapped in a tortilla, according to the release. Hot sauce packets will be available for customers looking for a bit more bite.

As part of the new breakfast burrito's launch, Wendy's is offering $5 off a breakfast order of $12 or more for DoorDash members when it includes a bacon or sausage breakfast burrito. The discount is valid from May 31 to June 6, while supplies last.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Fast-food chain wars? McDonald's, Wendy's rolling out value meals