New Deals & Menu Choices at National Restaurant & Fast Food Chains

There are great meal deals and new menu items at national restaurant and fast food chains every week, to help you stretch your strained budget.

Kids eat free at Dickey’s every day in January, $5 sandwiches at Panera, bottomless pancakes at IHOP, new $5 Bowls at KFC, new $3-$5 menu choices at Whataburger, Taco Bell brings back the Quesorito, new high protein choices at Chipotle, $4.99 burgers and hot dogs at Smashburger, Subway re-introduces its 500 calorie Fresh Fit sandwich choices, and more. 

We update this money-saving list at the beginning and middle of each month, and in between when there is a noteworthy new offer, so you can save money on fast food deals and discounts and new menu items.

All the deals and new menu items we publish here are from the trade publication Restaurant News  and the digital marketing agencies which contact ecoXplorer directly with information about their national chain clients.

Many of these deals, discounts and new menu items are for a limited time.  Since the chains rarely tell us exactly when a limited time deal will expire, check with your favorite destination or prepare to be disappointed.

Scroll down for on-going deals.

As that guy in the TV commercial says, arrive hungry, my friends. Or thirsty. Or both.

See Also

Restaurant & Fast Food Deals for Seniors 55+

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Through January 31– The world’s largest barbecue franchise kicks off its 85th anniversary with its fan-favorite Kids Eat Free annual promotion, every day, nationwide.

For every $15 adult meal purchased, guests can receive a free kids meal, complete with one slow-smoked meat, one homestyle side, and the iconic Lil’ Yellow Cup. The offer is available for dine-in, carry out and online orders at Dickeys.com, limited to one free kids meal per order.

Traditionally available on Sundays, the promotion expands to every day throughout January as part of Dickey’s anniversary kickoff, giving families more flexibility and more value during one of the busiest times of the year.

Burger King

Following the successful launch of the “Whopper by You” platform last year, the fun and flavor is back with an all-new Guest-inspired creation, the Ultimate Steakhouse Whopper.

It features 4.4 oz* of 100% flame-grilled beef, served on a toasted sesame seed bun and stacked with golden onion rings, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy peppercorn aioli. Each bite delivers rich, bold steakhouse flavor fans crave.

This latest innovation follows the launch of the BBQ Brisket Whopper® and Crispy Onion Whopper® last year – the first two fan-inspired innovations in the “Whopper by You” series.

For a limited time, Burger King is rounding out the menu with a warm Cinnamon Apple Pie

Share their your own Whopper innovations via the “Whopper By You” platform by visiting BK.com/WBY.

KFC

The chain is rolling out five $5 Bowls that balance comfort and value, including the return of the fan favorite Mac & Cheese Bowl and a new take on poutine with the new Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl.

The full $5 Bowl lineup includes:

• Matty’s Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl: Fries, brown gravy, crispy chicken nuggets and coated cheese curds.
• Mac & Cheese Bowl: Homestyle mac & cheese topped with crispy chicken nuggets and a three-cheese blend.
• Mashed Potato Bowl: Mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, crispy chicken nuggets and a three-cheese blend.
• Spicy Mac & Cheese Bowl: Homestyle mac & cheese with nuggets, a three-cheese blend.
• Spicy Mashed Potato Bowl: Mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, nuggets and a three-cheese blend finished with Nashville Hot Sauce.

Return of $10 Tuesdays –  featuring an eight-piece bucket of dark meat or tenders for just $10.

Whataburger

The chain launches 2026 with the Whatadeal menu, with fan-favorite eats priced at just $3, $4, and $5.

Whataburger’s new Whatadeals include:

• $3 Big Ranch Wrap: Crafted as a convenient, on-the-go option, the new Big Ranch Wrap features a crispy premium Whatachick’n Strip, fresh veggies, Creamy Buttermilk Ranch and American cheese in a warm tortilla.
• $4 Whatachick’n Bites (5-piece): Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these premium Whatachick’n Bites are made for dipping, dunking and snacking anytime.
• $5 Bacon and Cheese Whataburger Jr.: A longtime favorite, the Bacon and Cheese Whataburger Jr. features a 100% beef patty topped with bacon and melty cheese.
• Add small fries and a small drink for $2.49.

Del Taco

Through February 9, grab two Grilled Chicken Tacos for just $3, at participating locations.

These aren’t just your average chicken tacos – each one is made with freshly grilled, marinated chicken, topped with Del’s savory secret sauce, crisp shredded lettuce and house-grated cheddar, all wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla.

Plus, Del Taco is featuring a lineup of Real Strawberry Beverages that feature REAL strawberries mixed with either Sprite® or Minute Maid® Zero Sugar Lemonade, or hand blended in a creamy vanilla shake.

• Real Strawberry Lemonade – made with Minute Maid® Zero Sugar Lemonade and real strawberries.
• Real Strawberry Sprite® – crisp, refreshing and bursting with real strawberries.
• Real Strawberry Shake – A creamy vanilla shake hand-blended with real strawberries.

Available in 16-ounce and 24-ounce sizes, these drinks pair perfectly with Del’s signature Grilled Chicken Tacos.

IHOP

Through March 30 at participating locations only, IHOP guests can enjoy free Bottomless Pancakes with the purchase of select Breakfast Combos including:

• Breakfast Sampler
• Sirloin Tips & Eggs
• Split Decision Breakfast
• Country Fried Steak & Eggs
• T-Bone Steak & Eggs
• Chicken & Pancakes

IHOP’s iconic syrup caddies are also returning to tables nationwide, enhancing the Bottomless Pancake experience with Old-Fashioned, Blueberry, Strawberry, and Butter Pecan flavors.

For more information or to find the nearest restaurant, please visit IHOP.com.

Panera

For a limited time, get  a buy-one-get-one-for-$5 deal that’s good for a whole sandwich, whole salad, bowl of soup, or bowl of mac and cheese at participating locations.

To take advantage of the deal, you need to enter the code “BOGO5” at checkout.

This is the same BOGO deal Panera ran last summer.

Click here for a full list of their coupons and other deals. 

Applebee’s

For a limited time, get the  NEW O-M-Cheese Burger, a delicious burger served over queso and melted cheese in a sizzlin’ skillet for $11.99.

Plus, for a limited time, guests can melt into the moment with the NEW O-M-Cheese Burger and the Fiesta Lime Chicken paired with an appetizer or two side salads as part of Applebee’s signature 2 for $25 Menu.

Served in a sizzling skillet of molten queso and a blend of Cheddar cheeses, Applebee’s NEW O-M-Cheese Burger features a juicy, all-beef burger topped with American cheese, Applewood-smoked bacon, spicy honey mustard, and served with classic fries.

Additional limited-time entrees on the 2 for $25 menu include Applebee’s fan-favorite Fiesta Lime Chicken and Oriental Chicken Salad. Guests can enjoy their choice of two entrees with one of Applebee’s popular appetizers, such as Boneless Wings, Crunchy Onion Rings or Mozzarella Sticks, or two side salads for dine-in, To Go or delivery.

Taco Bell

For a limited time, the fan favorite Quesarito is officially returning to menus nationwide, for $4.99.

The Quesarito has long held a special place in Taco Bell history. With its signature combination of seasoned beef, seasoned rice, chipotle sauce and reduced-fat sour cream, all burrito-wrapped inside a grilled quesadilla packed with melted cheeses and Nacho Cheese sauce, it became an instant sensation. After it left the menu, the demand only intensified, sparking tributes, fan petitions and countless pleas for its return.

Whataburger

For a limited time, the chain is bringing back two fan favorites –  the Monterey Melt and the Chicken Fajita Taco, and an all-new Big Ranch Wrap.

The Monterey Melt  layers two juicy 100% beef patties with Monterey Jack and American cheeses, grilled onions and peppers, Whataburger’s signature Jalapeño Ranch sauce.

The Chicken Fajita Taco features 100% grilled chicken breast in a soft flour tortilla, piled high with seared onions, poblano and red peppers for a burst of fresh smokey and savory flavor.

The new Big Ranch Wrap is crafted with a crispy chicken strip, fresh leaf lettuce, ripe tomato slices, creamy buttermilk ranch and a slice of melty American cheese come together inside a warm flour tortilla for a satisfying bite  any part of the day. Available at participating Whataburger locations for $3, entree only, or add a drink and a side for a few dollars more.

Download the app and create an account to automatically earn a free Whataburger and start earning points to spend toward favorites,

Chipotle Mexican Grill

The chain is adding its first-ever High Protein Menu choices, including  a High Protein Cup with fresh grilled, hand-cut Adobo Chicken at 32 grams of protein, meeting consumer demand for a quick protein-packed snack. Chipotle’s popular Adobo Chicken is humanely raised and never given antibiotics, so the menu makes it easy to enjoy clean, high protein options without sacrificing flavor.

Guests in the U.S. and Canada can order from the High Protein Menu in-restaurant and via the Chipotle app, Chipotle.com and Chipotle.ca. In the U.S., prices start at $3.50 for a Single Chicken Taco at select restaurants. The national weighted average price of a High Protein Cup of Adobo Chicken is $3.82.

A Clean Menu for the Protein Movement

A high protein diet has held the title as the top diet pattern in the U.S. for three consecutive years. In addition, 70% of Americans say they are prioritizing protein and more than one-third have increased their intake in the past year. With the rise of GLP-1s and a broader focus on macronutrients, Chipotle’s new High Protein Menu offers more ways for guests to get the protein they want in the portions that work for them, whether that is a lighter bite or a more substantial build.

The High Protein Menu also features Chipotle’s first-ever snack: a High Protein Cup, with four ounces of . Adobo Chicken or Steak.

The High Protein Menu includes:

• Double High Protein Bowl (81g protein, 11g fiber, 760 calories) – A high protein burrito bowl featuring double Adobo Chicken, light white rice, black beans, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, Monterey Jack cheese and extra romaine lettuce
• High Protein-High Fiber Bowl (46g protein, 14g fiber, 540 calories) – A GLP-1 friendly bowl featuring Adobo Chicken, light brown rice, black beans, fajita veggies, roasted chili-corn salsa, fresh tomato salsa and romaine lettuce
• High Protein-Low Calorie Salad (36g protein, 10g fiber, 470 calories) – A GLP-1 friendly salad featuring Adobo Chicken, Supergreens lettuce mix, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa and guac
• Double High Protein Burrito (79g protein, 6g fiber, 840 calories) – A high protein burrito featuring double Adobo Chicken, fresh tomato salsa, fajita veggies, Monterey Jack cheese and romaine lettuce
• High Protein Cup with Adobo Chicken (32g protein, 180 calories) – A 4-ounce side of Adobo Chicken packed with flavor and real protein – the perfect snack or extra side of protein to add to any order.
• Adobo Chicken Taco (15g protein, 190 calories) – A soft flour tortilla, Adobo Chicken, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, Monterey Jack cheese and romaine lettuce

Papa Johns

For a limited time, the chain is giving all pizza fans the choice to create their own pizza for just $9.99.

Create your own pizzas just the way you like it

Choose your size – small, medium, or large; your crust – Original, New York Style or Thin Crust; and your favorite toppings (limit of 7) for just $9.99. Additional toppings extra.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

As 84 percent of Americans are looking to cut back this holiday season, Red Robin is delivering  flavor and value with new menu items and gift card deals, including a shareable platter.

Triple YUMMM® Platter – Choose among three shareable appetizer options for one price. Starting at just $16.99, choose from fan-favorites like Cheesy Mozzarella Twists with marinara, Pretzel Bites with new Belgium Fat Tire® beer cheese, Boneless Chicken Bites tossed in a choice of dry rub or sauce, Crispy Fried Pickles with ranch, Zucchini Fries with ranch or Red Robin’s famous Onion Rings with campfire mayo.

Two For You Combo – Choose your favorite and discover something new you might love. Mix and match two from deliciously satisfying picks such as Clucks with ranch, Whiskey River® BBQ Chicken Breast, Crispy Fried Shrimp with cocktail sauce or Whiskey River® BBQ Ribs. Each combo is served with coleslaw and a choice of a bottomless side starting at $20.19.

Also, through Jan. 4, Red Robin is bringing back its popular OREO® Candy Cane Milkshake.  This merry milkshake features creamy vanilla soft serve blended with peppermint flavor and OREO® cookies, topped with whipped cream, crushed candy cane and OREO® crumbs. Available at participating locations.

Red Lobster

Calling all seafood lovers to this new menu update.  The new Seafood Boil includes Lemon Pepper Butter, a bright zesty kick, OLD BAY® & Butter, a savory twist on a classic and RL Signature Butter, a bold blend of all flavors.

• Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya, a shrimp and Cajun sausage dish served over orzo rice in a spicy tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, onion and celery.
• Shrimp Scampi Linguini, tossed in Red Lobster’s signature scampi sauce with fresh tomatoes and toasted panko bread crumbs.

Red Lobster is also introducing a limited-time lineup of winter-inspired seasonal sips, including –

• Under the Mistletoe, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, cranberry juice and blackberry, garnished with rosemary.
• Sugar Cookie Delight, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, RumChata and Amaretto, rimmed with holiday sugar sprinkles.
• Snow Globe Sangria, St-Germain Elderflower, Barefoot Moscato, white cranberry juice, sparkling gold shimmer and Starry®, garnished with cranberries.

Subway

The sandwich chain is bringing back Sub Club after 20 years and it’s bigger and better than before, if you can remember what it offered 20 years ago.

Today, it means buy three footlongs and get the fourth one free. But there’s a catch

Sign up for Sub Club, redeem your first free footlong by Dec. 10 and visit SubClubBreadwinner.com for a chance to earn some serious bread.

Four lucky winners can choose between $10,000 to make all those holiday bills vanish or an authentic Subway baking oven, the same six-foot, six-hundred-pound oven used by Subway franchises across the country.

• Buy any combination of three footlongs or six 6-inch subs and your next footlong is free.
• Earning points per transaction that can also be converted into Subway Cash to save money on a future order.
• Exclusive offers and promotions for Sub Club members, as well as fan-favorite program perks like free birthday cookies.

The sandwich chain has brought back its low-calorie Fresh Fit menu.  Each one is stacked with 20g or more of protein, a full serving of crisp veggies and fewer than 500 calories in a six-inch sandwich served on multi-grain bread.  Choices include –

• Grilled Chicken & Avocado (35g protein): Grilled chicken, smashed avocado, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and topped with smoky Baja Chipotle sauce.
• Ham & Turkey Stacker (20g protein): Oven-roasted Turkey and Black Forest Ham, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and finished with yellow mustard.
• Seasoned Steak & Avocado (35g protein): Juicy steak, smashed avocado, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, and red onions.
• Turkey & Ranch Delite (26g protein): Oven-roasted Turkey, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, red onions and drizzled with Peppercorn Ranch.

Get  exclusive deals and rewards through Subway MVP Rewards. To learn more about Subway MVP Rewards or to place an order, visit the Subway app or Subway.com.

Farmer Boys

For a limited time, the fast-casual restaurant chain is offering a new fall line-up including  Parm-Crusted Cheeseburger and Parm-Crusted Sourdough Chicken Avocado Sandwich; a refreshed Farmstand Fresh & Affordable menu highlighted by new Snacker Boxes starting at $9.99, and seasonal delights such as Pumpkin Iced Coffee, Pumpkin Shake, Chocolate Chip Hot Cakes; and breakfast dining room deals starting at $7.99.

Parm-Crusted Limited-Time Offers

• Parm-Crusted Burger – Available with a quarter pound or half pound of beef, this burger features fresh, never frozen patties, grilled onions, hickory-smoked bacon, hand-smashed avocado, American and Swiss cheeses, crisp green leaf lettuce, tomato, and house-made Thousand Island dressing – served on golden sourdough grilled with a Parmesan cheese crust.
• Parm-Crusted Sourdough Chicken Avocado Sandwich – Crafted with an all-natural grilled chicken breast, hickory-smoked bacon, hand-smashed Hass avocado, cheese, green leaf lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise – stacked on locally sourced sourdough grilled with a rich Parmesan cheese crust.

Also available for a limited time –

• 4 Chocolate Chip Hot Cakes – Fresh off the griddle, these fluffy hot cakes are filled with warm, melty chocolate chips for a classic, feel-good favorite.
• Chocolate Chip Hot Cakes Platter – A hearty breakfast featuring chocolate chip hot cakes served with two cage-free eggs cooked any style, plus a choice of two strips of hickory-smoked bacon or savory pork sausage patties.

Farmstand Fresh & Affordable Menu Lineup Starting at $9.99, includes two brand-new creations developed in-house and four fan-favorite classics returning by popular demand.

• all-new Snacker Boxes featuring locally baked sourdough grilled with a parmesan cheese crust and layered with three slices of American and Pepper Jack cheese. Each box is paired with 2pc. or 3pc. of Farmer Boys’ signature chicken strips, Always Crispy Fries®, and a small drink.

Domino’s

For a limited time,  get  with any toppings for $9.99 each.  The  pizza chain is calling the promotion the Best Deal Ever.

Domino’s $9.99 deal includes Hand Tossed, Handmade Pan, New York Style, Gluten Free and Crunchy Thin Crust, as well as an assortment of sauces and toppings. Customers can upgrade to Parmesan Stuffed Crust for an additional charge.

To order or find the nearest store, visit www.dominos.com or use Domino’s mobile app.

Sonic

For a limited time, the fast food drive-in spot is launching “Snacky Hour” — a three-hour window of $1 menu items.

From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m, only, customers can snag a corn dog, 2-piece mozzarella sticks and pretzel twist for $1 each. Don’t worry about a promo code, the deal applies automatically to valid orders.

Also, on Mondays and Thursdays,  Sonic is handing out $0.99 medium Slushes, and on Thursdays, fans can get two Footlong Quarter Pound Coney for the price of one.

One more Sonic deal –

Also, enjoy half-price drinks every day from 2–4 P.M. when you order at the drive-in, or get the same deal anytime when you order ahead in the App.

Earlier this year, Sonic introduced a  new Value Menu, features a snack, entrée and dessert for $1.99 each.

Available all day, everyday, the permanent menu options include the new queso wraps, quarter pound double cheeseburger, chili cheese coney, small tots and a 16-ounce shake in 12 different flavors. 

Buca di Beppo

For a limited time, the fast casual chain is offering its revamped Happiest of Hours menu, including Feasts For Four menu, starting at just $40.

The Famiglia Feast comes with  garlic bread, a choice of salad and a choice of pasta for four. Or, upgrade to the $49.99 Epic Famiglia Feast, which adds four salads.

The Feasts For Four are available for in-restaurant dining, carry-out and delivery.

There also are Happiest of Hours starting at $6 available Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.

 Wahlburgers

For a limited time, the chain is is serving up serious heat – and keeping it cool – with a fresh lineup of tropical-inspired and indulgent additions.

• Teriyaki Pineapple Smashburger: Two Certified Angus Beef patties layered with white cheddar cheese, sliced pineapple, lettuce, teriyaki sauce, and mayo – a sweet and savory escape to paradise.
• WahlStreet Spritz: A tropical take on a summer spritz with Aperol, La Marca Prosecco, Monin Strawberry Syrup, and pineapple juice.
• Strawberry Shortcake Shake: Strawberry ice cream blended with Monin Strawberry Purée and topped with whipped cream and a classic Twinkie. Available as a non-alcoholic shake or spiked with Stoli Vanilla Vodka.

Also, there are new core menu items, including –

• Smash Style Burgers: The newest menu category, featuring two Certified Angus Beef patties seared for a crispy, caramelized crust and juicy, flavor-packed center. Launching with the Our Burger and Pepperoni Smash – stacked high and built to satisfy.
• Meatball Hoagie: Premium Italian meatballs in a savory arrabbiata sauce topped with provolone, served on a toasted Philly Amoroso roll brushed with housemade garlic butter.
• Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich: Grilled chicken glazed in tangy teriyaki, topped with lettuce, tomato, grilled pineapple, onion, and mayo – a tropical twist on a savory favorite.

Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen

Three new menu specials are now available – two for breakfast and another for lunch or dinner, all with farm-fresh ingredients.

New for Breakfast:

• Big Wrangler Breakfast: Two of buttermilk biscuits split and topped with house-made sausage gravy, two farm-fresh eggs, cheddar cheese and green onions. Served with two strips of hardwood-smoked bacon, one slice of hickory-smoked ham and home fries.
• Honey Butter Chicken French Toast: One hand-breaded chicken breast with honey, butter and powdered sugar atop two slices of classic brioche French toast.

New Heat for Lunch & Dinner:

• Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: Hand-breaded fried chicken breast, bold & zesty buffalo sauce and lettuce on a brioche bun. Served with ranch, French fries and deli pickles. Guests can also find the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Family Meal for four, for dinner at home

KFC

The chain has brought back its popular Chicken & Waffles, for the first time in over five years, with $7 meal deals.

Original Recipe® fried chicken is paired with thick, golden brown waffles with pockets of pearl sugar, paired with sweet syrup.

KFC advises that prices and participation may vary while supplies last. Prices are higher in AK, HI, CA and on third-party ordering websites.

• $7 Tenders and Waffle Box – Three juicy and crispy Original Recipe® Tenders, a Liège-style waffle, and Mrs. Butterworth’s® syrup.
• $7 Two-Piece Fried Chicken and Waffle Box – Two pieces of fried chicken (drum and thigh), in your choice of Original Recipe® or Extra Crispy™, a Liège-style waffle, and Mrs. Butterworth’s® syrup.

These deals are for a limited time or available only through KFC Rewards

• Through June 8 only – $25 Chicken & Waffles Fan Favorites Box – Four pieces of fried chicken (or six tenders), 12 KFC Nuggets, four Liège-style waffles, two individual fries, and your choice of four syrups or dipping sauces.
• Double Points on Chicken & Waffles Orders –  Get double points on KFC.com or the KFC app when ordering the $7 or $25 Chicken & Waffles
• BOGO 8 pc. Chicken Bucket or 8 pc. Tenders – Available only to new sign-ups for Rewards program.
• $10 Tuesday with Tenders –  On Tuesday only, choose from eight Original Recipe® tenders (plus four dipping sauces) – or eight pieces of classic fried chicken for only $10.

As an added treat, KFC is introducing Strawberry & Crème Pie Poppers with strawberry and cream filling in a flaky crust.

Outback Steakhouse

For a limited time, the Aussie steakhouse is offering a three-course meal starting at $14.99, for dine-in only.

 Start with a soup or salad, then choose from select Down Under entrées, and finish with a slice of New York-style cheesecake.

Smashburger

Shake Happy Hour returns with 50% off shakes on Fridays, 2pm to 5pm.

Order online with code Shake25, or just mention the deal in-store

Olive Garden

The Italian chain is offering a lunch deal – Monday-Friday, get a choice of 10 pastas and the never-ending appetizers for just $12

There also are $6 take home entrees when you dine in or order to-go.

KFC

Competing with the McDonald’s $5 deal, KFC is adding a hot new lineup of five flavor-packed bowls including icons like the Famous Bowl and saucy twists like the new Nashville Hot Loaded Fries Bowl to its $5 meal deal options.

For a limited time, the fan-favorite Nashville Hot Sauce is back on KFC menus nationwide, while supplies last. Indulge your cravings with a hearty, warm, comforting bowl this winter for just $5 each, making your post-holiday wallet happy. The five flavor-packed $5 options are available starting today at KFC restaurants, KFC.com and the KFC app:

• NEW Nashville Hot Loaded Fries Bowl – Crispy fries, coleslaw, pickles and five Original Recipe® Nuggets, drizzled with Nashville Hot Sauce.
• Nashville Hot Mac & Cheese Bowl – Combining mac & cheese with five Original Recipe® Nuggets, three-cheese blend and Nashville Hot Sauce.
• Nashville Hot Famous Bowl – A remix on a legendary KFC menu item, with layers of mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, three-cheese blend, five Original Recipe® Nuggets, plus the delectably spicy Nashville Hot Sauce.
• Mac & Cheese Bowl – A cheesy comfort meal, featuring creamy mac & cheese, three-cheese blend and five Original Recipe® Nuggets.
• Famous Bowl – One of the most iconic KFC menu items – with mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, three-cheese blend and five Original Recipe® Nuggets.

Fans also get Nashville Hot Sauce on the new KFC Original Recipe® Tenders while supplies last.

For those looking for even more flavor options, KFC is also introducing two digital exclusive menu items: the Korean BBQ Mac & Cheese Bowl and Korean BBQ Loaded Fries Bowl (also just $5). KFC’s Korean BBQ – first debuted on Saucy Nuggets last year – is a sweet and savory combination.

Additional $5 meal deals include –

• Chicken Nuggets: Eight chicken nuggets hand-breaded with KFC’s Original Recipe, Secret Recipe Fries and your choice of two sauces.
• Famous Bowl with KFC Chicken Nuggets: Made fresh to order with a foundation of creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, 100% white meat chicken nuggets, drizzled with home-style gravy and topped with three shredded cheeses.
• Two-Piece Drum & Thigh: Two pieces of fried chicken (drum and thigh), creamy mashed potatoes and gravy and a biscuit.

KFC continues to offer its popular “$10 Tuesdays” deal: get a bucket of eight pieces of drums and thighs for ten bucks.

Every day of the week, customers can also get  the $20 Family Deal – six pieces of chicken on the bone (two drums, two thighs, one breast and one wing), four individual sides of your choice, and four  biscuits.

Dunkin’

The chain is  joining others in offering a $5 meal deal, along with some new menu items. with a bang, introducing an irresistible $5 meal deal alongside an exciting winter menu that’s bound to delight coffee enthusiasts and breakfast lovers alike.

The budget-friendly $5 combo includes two made-to-order Wake-Up Wrap sandwiches paired with a medium coffee. Customers can customize their wraps with egg, cheese, and their choice of bacon, sausage, turkey sausage, or opt for a meatless version. The beverage option includes either a 14 oz. hot coffee or a refreshing 24 oz. iced coffee.

There’s no word on whether this is a limited time or permanent offer, so stay tuned.

Pizza Hut

For a limited time, get the NEW Triple Treat Box®, with  With 2 medium 1-topping pizzas, 5 breadsticks & 10 cinnamon sticks.

Starting at just $19.99, this box has a little something for everyone. You can even order your pizzas with Tavern crust and a square-cut for sharing. Add toppings or upgrade to cheese sticks or a different dessert like Cinnabon® Mini Rolls for an extra charge. It really is a three-course meal all in one.

• Additional charge for more than 1 pizza topping, Pan & extra cheese.
• Additional charge for select dessert options & cheese stick upgrade.
• Priced higher in some locations, including CA. Taxes, tip & delivery fees not included.

Shoney’s

A new Theme Meals program offers a different menu each day, along with the chain’s famous  All-You-Care-to-Eat Fresh Food Bar. Here are the daily details –

Monday: Backyard BBQ – BBQ ribs, grilled wings, grilled BBQ chicken, beef sliders, hot dogs, corn on the cob, baked beans, mac ‘n’ cheese, pasta salad, potato salad, coleslaw, tomato cucumber onion salad, cabbage beef soup

Tuesday:  Flavor Fiesta – Taco beef, chicken & steak fajitas, whole roasted jalapeño, black beans, pinto beans, salsa, flour tortillas, chips, cheese sauce, sour cream, diced tomatoes, diced onions, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese Soups/Other: chicken tortilla soup

Wednesday: Brinner (Breakfast for Dinner) – Current breakfast items (including Enhanced Breakfast), apple cinnamon roll bake, fresh fruit, broccoli cheddar soup

Thursday: Dinner Italiano – Baked spaghetti, chicken parmesan, chicken alfredo, lasagna, bread sticks, dinner rolls, Caesar salad, potato sausage soup

Friday: Surf to Table (Seafood Night) – Clam strips, fried oysters, seafood bake, shrimp & grits, crab rice, seafood pasta alfredo, jambalaya, gumbo, clam chowder

Saturday: Surf ‘n’ Turf (Seafood and Steak) – Clam strips, fried oysters, seafood bake, shrimp & grits, crab rice, seafood pasta alfredo, jambalaya, gumbo, clam chowder,4oz ranch steak, mushrooms, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, grilled onions & peppers, loaded potato soup clam chowder

Sunday: Old Fashioned Sunday Dinner – Crispy chicken, meatloaf, turkey & dressing, beef pot roast, collard greens, baked sweet potatoes, cabbage, cream corn, cabbage beef soup, broccoli cheddar soup

Ongoing Deals & Discounts

Bob Evans Restaurants

Find more than 30 lunch and dinner combinations for $8.99 or less. Founder, Bob Evans, believed in the importance of family values, like eating meals together, and always worked to support the changing needs of the American family.

According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, grocery prices are up more than 8% from this same time last year, due to rising inflation, which has been consistently leading consumers to look for affordable and convenient meal options.

Farm-fresh meals under the “American Values” include  Pick 2 Lunch Combos, start at $6.99, and Dinner Bell Plates, start as low as $7.99. These prices are offered every day and are not a limited-time offer.

Carl’s Jr. & Hardee’s

Join the new rewards program to get your choice of a free Western Bacon Cheeseburger, Famous Star, or Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich.

Domino’s Pizza

The Mix & Match Deal will get you and two or more items on its Mix & Match menu for $5.99. That includes some sticks and medium pizzas options.

Any combo with three-topping pizzas and Dips & Twists will run you $8.

Friendly’s

Join the Friendly’s Sweet Rewards Club and you’ll get a free medium sundae.

Hooters

Make a $30 purchase, and you’ll get $10 off with the code “GET10.” Place an order for $50, and you’ll wind up with $15 off when you use the code “GET15.”

That’s all there is –  there’s no “GET20.”

Olive Garden

The pasta chain is now offering alcohol delivery with $15 bottles of wine and $10 six-packs. You have to order food to get alcohol, and the deal is only available where local laws permit.

Popeyes

Popeyes is offering free contactless delivery through its app with a minimum $20 order.

Quiznos

Get four meals for $29.99. The family meal comes with four 8-inch subs, four bags of chips, and four cookies. Use the code “8026.”

Rubio’s Coastal Grill

Place an order directly through the Rubio’s app or Rubios.com to get free delivery on any order of at least $20.

This list of great deals at national chains is updated at the beginning and middle of each month.

Unless otherwise noted, all photos are from the restaurant or fast food chain.

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 20+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter currently serves as President of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA) and is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Assn. (NATJA).

Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.

Copyright (C) Evelyn Kanter