There are great meal deals at national restaurant and fast food chains every week, to help you stretch your strained budget.
Top deals include free donuts and coffee from Krispy Kreme, free burgers from Burger King, a new $1.99 menu items at Sonic, new SummerFest menu at Friendly’s, new $5 meal box from Taco John’s, new menu items at Cracker Barrel and Golden Corral, new New York style pizza at Domino’s, 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 or the digital marketing agencies which contact ecoXplorer directly with information about their national restaurant 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+
Krispy Kreme
For the month of July, Krispy Kreme Rewards members can celebrate FREEdom with a FREE doughnut every Tuesday and a FREE iced coffee every Friday with any purchase.
Choose any flavor from the chain’s new Star Spangled Sweetness Collection celebrating the Fourth of July – the Firework Cookies & Kreme Filled Doughnut, the Cotton Candy Sparkler Doughnut and the Freedom Flag Doughnut.
On Tuesday, July 9, Rewards members get any doughnut from the KIT KAT Collection for FREE – the Crunch Doughnut, Cookie Dream Doughnut or the Salted Caramel Brownie Doughnut. These doughnuts are packed with creamy chocolate and crispy wafers. They were first offered in April as part of a limited-time collection, and return for one week only, beginning July 8.
On Tuesday, July 16, 23 and 30 surprise deals are being revealed on the company’s website and on the brand’s social media channels.
Rewards members’ FREE iced coffee each Friday in July can be any size.
If you aren’t a member of the Krispy Kreme Rewards program, this would be a good time to sign up. It’s free to join, and you get free goodies, too.
Burger King
The chain is celebrating a number of special events in July with different deals, including FREE burgers with the purchase of any item for at least $1.
Every Friday in July – In honor of National Grilling Month in July, kick off each weekend with a free burger, a different one each week –
- cheeseburgers on July 5,
- hamburgers on July 12,
- rodeo burgers on July 19, and
- Whopper Jrs. on July 26.
When picking up the free hamburger on July 12, customers can also grab FREE fries in any size in celebration of National French Fry Day.
On Saturday, July 6 – In honor of National Fried Chicken Day, get a FREE Royal Crispy Chicken sandwich with any $5 purchase.
Sunday, July 21, is National Ice Cream Day. Rewards members can get a FREE soft-serve ice cream with any $1 purchase on the national holiday.
Smashburger
For a limited time, the burger chain is offering $3 shakes every Friday, between 2-5pm.
Make this Happy Hour deal an addition to a late lunch, early dinner, or stand-along mid-afternoon break. Jut be sure to use code SHAKES24 for online orders, or be sure to mention the code to the cashier for in-store purchases.
Sonic
The new Fun.99 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.
Unlike other discounted items at other chains, this is a permanent addition to the Sonic menu, not just for a limited time.
Sonic fans can also snag drinks and slushes for half the price by ordering on the app.
Taco John’s
For a limited time, get Grande Grillers burritos for under $5.
The Fried Chicken Grande Griller ($4.99) brings together all-white meat chicken coated in a crispy, seasoned breading and dressed in zesty chipotle lime sauce along with Taco John’s signature Potato Olés®, nacho cheese and red rice.
The Spicy Beef Grande Griller ($4.49) features 100% North American beef, Potato Olés, red rice and a four-cheese blend, drizzled with a fiery infusion of Jalapeño Ranch and Super Hot Sauce.
In addition to these new limited-time grilled offerings for under $5, the chain continues to offer its ValuEST Menu with seven other choices ranging from $2-$4.
Bigger Bolder Rewards Members can keep an eye on the Taco John’s app for special offers rolling out all summer long.
Panera Bread
New menu items include Spicy Chicken Fiesta and Kickin’ Grilled Cheese sandwiches alongside two new Avocado Toast varieties.
Plus, new monthly subscribers who sign up through August 31 will get three FREE months of endless drinks.
Spicy Fiesta Chicken – Starting at $11.59, this features Panera’s new, creamy salsa verde spread with grilled chicken, white cheddar cheese, zesty, sweet peppers, cilantro and pops of roasted corn, all nestled on warm and crusty artisan Ciabatta bread.
Kickin’ Grilled Cheese – Starting at $7.49, this limited-time special menu item combines creamy salsa verde spread paired with both American and White Cheddar cheeses on Panera’s Classic White Miche.
Avocado Toast starting at $3.49
- Classic Avo: Chunky avocado spread to thin-sliced Country Rustic Sourdough, finished with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, sea salt and black pepper for a delightful savory touch.
- Garden Avo: Fresh sliced tomatoes and a drizzle of garlic aioli, on thin-sliced Country Rustic Sourdough and topped with everything bagel seasoning, sea salt and black pepper
Health Alert – Panera Charged Lemonade & Sips
We feature a lot of new menu items here, but it’s not often we alert followers about a menu item being dropped because of lawsuits by people who said the drinks had caused health problems, including two deaths.
Panera Bread has stopped selling the highly caffeinated fruit-flavored drinks, Charged Lemonade and Charged Sips.
According to Panera’s own website, a regular size of the Charged drinks, which come in three flavors, has at least 155 milligrams of caffeine, while the large sizes have at least 233 milligrams. That’s the equivalent of one or two cups of coffee.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, most “healthy adults” can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, or about four or five cups of regular coffee, depending on the brand and roast.
Additional Warning
If you are a fan of energy drinks – read the labels – so you know that some individual servings such as Red Bull have as much caffeine as a six-pack of Coca Cola.
Panera Bread also has introduced new menu items under $10, sandwiches, salads and Mac and Cheese, but you’ll have to wash them down with something other than Charged or Sips drinks.
Friendly’s
The chain’s 89th birthday coincides with both National Ice Cream Day on July 21. so there are special deals –
July 17-21 – In honor of Summer 89 and National Ice Cream Day on July 21, Friendly’s is offering .89¢ single scoop cones at all locations.
For the entire month of July, Friendly’s fans who join the Fan Club app in July will receive $2 fribbles.
Through Oct. 2, the SummerFest menu returns, with new and returning favorites at all locations systemwide. The menu includes –
- Maine Style Lobster Roll: Fresh, chilled lobster meat lightly tossed in mayo served in a grilled roll.
- Connecticut Style Lobster Roll: Chunks of lobster meat served warm with a side of melted butter on a classic grilled roll.
- Lobster & Shrimp Quesadilla: Stuffed with lobster, shrimp and a mix of cheeses.
- Lobster Bisque Soup: Available in a warm bowl or a cup, this soup features savory lobster flavors.
- Strawberry Salad: Spring mix with fresh strawberries, topped with walnuts, feta cheese crumbles and tossed in balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshingly light option.
- Double Stack Burger: Two juicy beef patties layered with melted American cheese on top of Green Leaf lettuce, Roma tomatoes and mayo on a grilled potato roll.
There’s also a selection of summer desserts –
- Sugar Cone Nachos: Friendly’s vanilla ice cream, sugar cone pieces, fresh banana and strawberries all topped with chocolate and caramel sauces.
- PBJ Croissant: A flaky croissant filled with peanut butter, grape jelly and vanilla and chocolate ice cream topped with diced Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and almonds.
- French Toast A La Mode: This dessert-style take on a popular breakfast comes drizzled in maple syrup with vanilla ice cream and bacon.
- Fresh Berry Slammer: Raspberry sherbet blended with fresh strawberry puree and seltzer water topped with whipped cream.
- Chocolate Cheesecake Fribble: Chocolate cheesecake and chocolate syrup, drizzled with fudge, topped with graham cracker crumbs and whipped cream.
- Strawberry Sparkler: This sweet drink comes with fresh strawberry puree and Sprite, topped with whipped cream.
- Wattamelon Sherbet Cake: Back by popular demand, crafted with Friendly’s Lemon sherbet and Watermelon sherbet with chocolate chips, confectionery coating.
Taco John’s
For a limited time, the chain is offering a $5 Meal Steal, featuring four fan-favorite menu items –
- Crispy Taco: A fresh-fried crunchy taco shell filled with 100% North American beef, Taco John’s signature mild sauce, lettuce, and cheese
- Bean Burrito: A hearty and satisfying burrito made fresh and packed with big flavor: refried beans, cheddar cheese, onions, and mild sauce
- Jr. Potato Olés: Crowd-pleasing round bites of crunchy potato, cooked fresh and sprinkled with a signature blend of bold spices
- Small Beverage: A refreshing fountain drink to complement the meal
Available only in the Taco John’s App, ordering the $5 Meal Steal online also lets you earn points redeemable for free food other App-only deals.
Taco John’s continues to offer its daily ValuEST Menu with nine choices ranging from $2-$4.
Red Lobster
For a limited time, the chain’s popular Crabfest returns, with a variety of new crabby choices starting at $20.
As part of Crab Your Way, guests can choose a full pound of steamed wild-caught crab legs (Snow or Bairdi*) plus a flavor option like NEW! Cajun Butter, Roasted Garlic Butter, or Simply Steamed. Claw-some fact: The Bairdi crab is sustainably caught off the coast of Alaska from the icy cold waters of the Bering Sea. Other choices include –
- NEW $20** Creamy Crab Carbonara,
- NEW Crab & Lobster Duo
- NEW Snow Crab & Crab-Topped Steak.
- NEW Crab Mac & Cheese
- NEW Big Breezy Hurricane
To earn points for dining, including through To Go placed on the website, and redeem tasty rewards, download the My Red Lobster Rewards App and sign up for the free loyalty program.
Subway
New menu item – The sandwich chain is expanding its Footlong choices with all-new Footlong Dippers, available at restaurants nationwide. These hot, cheesy and snacks join the popular Sidekicks menu for just $3.
Footlong Dippers are served hot, swirling melted cheese and meat and rolled in Subway’s soft and bubbly lavash-style flatbread.
There are three choices – Pepperoni & Cheese, Chicken & Cheese and Double Cheese. Each is served with with one of Subway’s 11 signature sauces, including Honey Mustard, Creamy Sriracha or tangy Peppercorn Ranch.
New and Returning Signature Sauces & Toppings
- After a three-year hiatus, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce is back by popular demand on menus nationwide, with familiar hints of hickory smoke, black pepper, red pepper and warm spices.
- All-new Cheddar Cheese sauce, a smooth and creamy blend of sharp cheddar cheese, American cheese and a hint of parmesan
- SubKrunch™ is a first-of-its-kind crunchy topping for any sandwich, wrap or salad. These are crispy seasoned and fried bits.
New Signature Subs
- Honey Mustard BBQ Chicken includes rotisserie-style chicken topped with Monterey Cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and pickles, all drizzled in Honey Mustard and smokey BBQ sauce.
- Spicy Nacho Chicken packs heat and crunch with rotisserie-style chicken, green peppers, red onions, jalapeños, SubKrunch™ and finished with Cheddar Cheese sauce and Creamy Sriracha sauce for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Garlic Steak starts with sliced steak topped with green peppers, red onions and SubKrunch™, drizzled with Roasted Garlic Aioli and Cheddar Cheese sauce.
Farmer Boys
For a limited time, the fast-casual restaurant is offering two new menu items.
- BBQ Crunch Cheeseburger Box is available as a single or double and is made using fresh never frozen beef patties, tangy BBQ sauce, house made crispy onion straws, American cheese, and pickles on a locally baked brioche bun.
- Iced Coffee with vanilla cold foam – made with 100% sustainably-sourced Arabica coffee beans, fresh whole milk and vanilla cold foam.
The house-made onion straws also can be found on the BBQ Chicken Ranch Salad and BBQ Chicken Ranch Wrap. They are prepared daily using whole onions which are hand-chopped each morning, soaked in buttermilk for three hours, and then fried to order.
BBQ Crunch Burger boxes include Always Crispy Fries® and a regular drink at $9.99 for the BBQ Crunch Cheeseburger Box and $11.99 for the BBQ Crunch Double Cheeseburger box – price may vary.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
For a limited time, get a pulled pork sandwich for only $4.99. This smokin’ special is available all day, every day, and can be purchased in store, online, and on the App with no additional purchase necessary. California Dickey’s stores will offer the promotion for $6.99 per sandwich.
Additionally, and back by popular demand, the barbecue brand is bringing back FREE delivery, with a minimum purchase of $10. This deal is only available by ordering on the Dickey’s website or on the Dickey’s App.
As a reminder, Kids Eat Free on Sundays with a minimum $12 adult meal purchase. This deal is for dine or take-out by ordering online or in the App using code KEFOLO.
O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar
For a limited time, there’s a new Smokehouse Summer menu, with main courses starting at $14.99.
Appetizers include BBQ Quesadillas or the Spicy Q-Topped Queso. For a lighter start, savor the Buttery BBQ Tater, a loaded baked potato crowned with our house-made BBQ butter, shredded Cheddar, pulled pork, and an extra drizzle of BBQ butter, served with a dollop of sour cream and our signature BBQ sauce. Mains include –
- Saucy ‘Q Sammich – Classic pulled pork on a toasted bun with signature BBQ sauce and dill pickle chips. Served with fries. $16.99
- Smokey Honey BBQ Chicken Dinner – Two grilled chicken breasts smothered with house-made Smokey Honey BBQ sauce, topped with fresh jalapeno slices. Served with two sides. $14.99
- Ribs & Smokey Honey BBQ Chicken Dinner – A half-rack of fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs, slow-cooked in signature BBQ sauce and paired with a grilled chicken breast smothered in Smokey Honey BBQ sauce topped with fresh jalapenos. Served with two sides. $21.99
- Sunshine Chicken Salad – Tresh strawberries, mandarin oranges, candied pecans and dried cranberries on a bed of lettuce mix topped with a generous helping of chicken salad. Served with balsamic vinaigrette. $17.99
- Chicken Salad Sandwich – Chunks of roasted white meat chicken, dried cranberries, pecans, and honey dressed lightly in mayo, with green leaf lettuce on a toasted bun. Served with fries. $14.99
The Smokehouse Summer menu also includes a choice of Baked Beans or Roasted Corn On-The-Cob. The drink lineup includes the $5 House Margo’rita, Bahama O’Mama, Tito’s Strawberry Lemonade, the NEW! Leinenkugel Summer Shandy, a crisp wheat beer with a refreshing lemonade flavor.
As part of an ongoing commitment to Gold Star families and veterans, O’Charley’s is continuing to donate $1 for every cobbler purchase to the Folded Flag Foundation, a nonprofit providing educational scholarships and grants to the families of our country’s fallen heroes.
Huddle House
For a limited time, Big Beast Breakfast Burritos available all day, not just for breakfast. The new lineup is served a la carte or as a platter with crispy french fries or tater tots, plus your choice of one golden waffle or two signature sweet cakes.
Choices include –
Triple Meat Locker Burrito: This meaty sensation is packed with Applewood smoked bacon, savory country sausage, tender diced ham, farm-fresh scrambled eggs, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese.
El Grande ‘Rito Burrito: Grab your friends and get ready to fiesta! Enjoy Applewood smoked bacon, farm-fresh scrambled eggs, crispy tater tots, grilled onion, pickled jalapeños, freshly grilled tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese.
Southern Sausage Overload Burrito: Make your heart sing with savory country sausage, crispy tater tots, rich house-made sausage gravy, freshly scrambled eggs, and melted cheddar cheese.
Bacon or Sausage & Egg Burrito: A classic breakfast favorited filled with Applewood smoked bacon or savory country sausage, farm-fresh scrambled eggs, and melted cheddar cheese.
These items are available for a limited time during breakfast, lunch, or dinner at all Huddle House restaurants while supplies last.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
New menu items – the Gold Medal Burger and the Star-Spangled Spritzer.
The burger is a made with three juicy patties, three layers of golden American cheese, Red’s relish, mayo, pickles, onion, lettuce and tomato, inspired by the healthy appetites and hopefully gold medals earned by Team USA in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Served with a bottomless supply of crispy Steak Fries (or another Bottomless Item of your choice). Available at participating U.S. locations only.
The Gold Medal Burger weighs approximately 18 ounces and anybody who thinks he or she can conquer the Gold Medal Burger will get a chance to be featured on the official Gold Medal Burger Hall of Fame on the chan’s website.
To take on the challenge, visit your nearest Red Robin, order the Gold Medal Burger and submit your name via the website.
Wash it down with the Star-Spangled Spritzer, is served in a light-up souvenir cup with wild raspberry flavor and Sprite® topped with blue cotton candy. Available for dine-in only, watch as the cotton candy disappears into the red, white and blue layered drink, and enjoy for the Fourth of July and as you cheer on America’s top athletes.
The chain is unveiling its new-and-improved lineup of gourmet burgers along with new entrées, appetizers, beverages and more, some of whichare permanent and others only for a limited time.
Burgers
- BBQ Burnt Ends ‘N Bacon Burger* – Available for a limited time and piled high with smoked burnt ends, crispy onion straws, Whiskey River® BBQ Sauce, melted cheddar, black-peppered bacon, pickles and mayo
- Smashed Avocado ‘N Bacon – With freshly smashed avocado, hardwood-smoked bacon, melty Swiss, onion, lettuce, vine-ripened tomato and mayo
- Burnin’ Love – The return of a fan-favorite back by popular demand, featuring fried jalapeño coins, house-made salsa, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, vine-ripened tomato and chipotle aioli, topped with a charred jalapeño
Appetizers & Entrées
- Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts – Lightly fried and topped with grated Parmesan cheese
- Tsunami Shrimp – Panko-breaded shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, served on a bed of Yukon Chips and finished with sesame seeds (available as an appetizer or entrée)
- BBQ Burnt Ends Loaded Fries* – Red Robin’s signature Steak Fries loaded with smoked burnt ends, drizzled with house-made ranch and Whiskey River® BBQ Sauce with a cilantro garnish
- Whiskey River® BBQ Ribs – A half rack of tender St. Louis-style pork ribs glazed with Whiskey River® BBQ Sauce. Served with coleslaw and choice of a Bottomless side
Join Red Robin Royalty today to start earning rewards on eligible purchases.
Golden Corral
For a limited time, the chain is offering a new Summer Grill promotion with several new menu items –
- Grilled Carne Asada, expertly seasoned and perfectly grilled to juicy perfection.
- Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken, combining the richness of cheddar, the smokiness of bacon, and the tanginess of ranch dressing, all grilled to golden perfection.
- Bruschetta Chicken, with fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and zesty garlic atop tender grilled chicken breasts,
Papa Johns
For a limited time, the chain is bringing back fan favorite Cheesy Burger Pizza, priced at just $10 for the first 500,000 orders. Fans can also enter for a chance to win free slices.
The Cheesy Burger Pizza features Papa Johns’ fresh, never frozen dough topped with a signature burger sauce, generous portions of beef, tomato, dill pickle, and real cheese made from mozzarella, served of course with a cup of the brand’s famous Special Garlic Sauce and pepperoncini.
The combo of flavors is also available in the returning Cheesy Burger Papadia and all-new Cheesy Burger Papa Bites.
The full Cheesy Burger Trio lineup is available for Papa Rewards members, with the Cheesy Burger Papadia and Papa Bites priced at, $6.99 and $4.99 respectively.
Learn more at TheyForgotThePizza.com
KFC
An all-new “Taste of KFC Deals” value menu offers full meals meal deals starting at just $4.99.
Taste of KFC Deals available seven days a week at KFCs across the country (also available on KFC.com and the KFC app), through the end of the year, include:
- $4.99 Meal for One: Two pieces of chicken (drum and thigh), creamy mashed potatoes & gravy and a buttery biscuit for just $4.99.
- Meal for Two: Four pieces of chicken (drum, thigh, breast, wing) with mashed potatoes & gravy and two biscuits – prices vary by location.
- $20 Family Meal: 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. Side choices include Secret Recipe Fries, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes (with or without gravy), coleslaw and sweet corn.
Also, for a limited time, there’s a special “$10 Tuesdays” deal, for a bucket full of eight drums and thighs. At participating locations only.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Through August 4 – There are new seasonal menu items including Bee Sting Chicken Tenders and Bee Sting Chicken Sandwich, Featuring a new house-made sauce, with a flavor that’s a delicious balance of heat and honey sweet.
- New Bee Sting Chicken Tenders starting at $12.99 and featuring Cracker Barrel’s signature fried chicken tenders with a sweet sting. Includes crispy, hand-breaded tenders served with a new, sweet-heat honey glaze and a choice of two country sides, as well as hand-rolled buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins.
- New Bee Sting Chicken Sandwich starting at $11.99 and includes a crispy, hand-breaded fried chicken sandwich, drizzled with Cracker Barrel’s new and perfectly sweet-heat honey glaze, pickles, and mayo on a buttermilk bun. Served with seasoned steak fries.
- New Watermelon Lemonade, starting at $3.49, adds watermelon puree to its signature lemonade. Includes bottomless refills.
These items are available with no published end date –
- New Watermelon Spritzer*, perfect for a summertime sip. Pureed watermelon perfectly paired with Roscato Moscato wine and a splash of Sprite, starting at $6.99.
- New New York Strip Steak: A 10 oz. New York strip steak with savory garlic butter sauce. Served with a choice of two country sides and buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins This new item also comes in different options, such as the New York Strip Steak n’ Eggs, New York Strip Steak n’ Chicken Combo and New York Strip Steak n’ Shrimp Combo.
Donino’s
The pizza chain is introducing New York Style Pizza – a pizza that is designed to be even more delicious, whether you hail from New York City or beyond.
Domino’s New York Style Pizza is made with fresh, never frozen dough that is stretched thin, by hand and topped with a melty blend of cheese made with 100% real mozzarella and provolone, and cut into six big, foldable slices. New Yorkers fold their pizza. That’s the sign of a New York pizza and a New Yorker.
These are the deals –
- Large three-topping New York Style Pizzas for $10.99 each
- Mix & Match Deal: order any two or more menu items (including medium two-topping New York Style Pizzas) for $6.99 each
- Domino’s Rewards members may also redeem 60 points for a free medium two-topping New York Style Pizza.
To locate the nearest Domino’s and place an order, visit Dominos.com.
Noodles & Company
For a limited time, the fast-casual chain is bringing back its popular Steak Stroganoff, for an affordable $10.95.
Made with wavy egg noodles in a mushroom sherry cream sauce, fresh herbs, cracked pepper, and roasted mushrooms, topped with marinated steak, parmesan cheese, and Italian parsley, it’s a nostalgic taste. This highly sought-after entrée is reintroducing familiar flavors to those seeking comfort, speed, and a satisfying meal without the hassle of cooking.
Steak Stroganoff is 100% guaranteed under its Goodness Guarantee program. Noodles encourages guests to step outside of their comfort zones and try something new with the promise that if they don’t love their entree, it can be exchanged for a different dish on the menu at no cost. Learn more about the Goodness Guarantee at Noodles.com/goodnessguarantee.
Taco Bell
For a limited time, the taco chain is offering the Cheesy Chicken Crispanada, a twist on the classic empanada, for just $3.49.
Encased within a crispy, golden shell, there’s a blend of tender and seasoned chicken and a melty infusion of rich, gooey cheese.
Also for a limited time, Taco Bell has revitalized its Cravings Value Menu featuring a total of 10 menu items and the new, permanent Veggie Build-Your-Own-Cravings-Box with 10 full-sized menu items for $3 or less.
The new Cravings Value Menu mainstays feature four vegetarian items including the Cheesy Roll Up at $1.1, Spicy Potato Soft Taco at $1.29, Cheesy Bean & Rice Burrito at $1.49 and Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes at $2.49. Complementing the existing fan-favorites, these six new items have been added to the Cravings Value Menu:
- $1.99 Double Stacked Taco: Crunchy Taco shell filled with seasoned beef, fiesta strips, lettuce, cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a soft tortilla with nacho cheese sauce.
- $2.19 Stacker: Seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce and 3-cheese blend, folded together into a tortilla
- $2.79 Cheesy Double Beef Burrito: Seasoned beef, seasoned rice, nacho cheese sauce, fiesta strips, 3-cheese blend and reduced fat sour cream, wrapped in a tortilla
- $2.29 3-Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt: Grilled chicken, creamy chipotle sauce and 3-cheese blend, all folded into a pillowy flatbread
- $2.49 Chicken Enchilada Burrito: Grilled chicken, seasoned rice, red sauce, 3-cheese blend and reduced fat sour cream, all wrapped up in a tortilla
- $2.99 Loaded Beef Nachos: Nacho chips topped with seasoned beef, beans, nacho cheese sauce, red sauce, reduced fat sour cream and guacamole
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
For a limited time, Perkins is offering a 5 Meals Under $10 promotion at participating locations, plus special fish entrees for Lenten season.
Diners can choose from a dinner lineup featuring Country Fried Steak, Chicken Strips, Grilled Fish & Shrimp, Homestyle Meatloaf, and Jumbo Shrimp.
If that is not enough, Perkins also is offering their Coastal Classics menu in time for the Lenten season with sea-sational offerings such as Fish ‘N Chips, Grilled Salmon, Grilled Fish & Shrimp, the Hibachi Grilled Shrimp Skillet, and the Double Catch with two crispy cod fillets, four jumbo fried shrimp and fries.
Huddle House
For a limited time, the chain is introducing new Big Beast Breakfast Burritos served a la carte or as a platter with crispy french fries or tater tots, plus your choice of one golden waffle or two signature sweet cakes. Choices include –
- Triple Meat Locker Burrito: Applewood smoked bacon, savory country sausage, tender diced ham, farm-fresh scrambled eggs, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese.
- El Grande ‘Rito Burrito: Applewood smoked bacon, farm-fresh scrambled eggs, crispy tater tots, grilled onion, pickled jalapeños, freshly grilled tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese.
- Southern Sausage Overload Burrito: Savory country sausage, crispy tater tots, rich house-made sausage gravy, freshly scrambled eggs, and melted cheddar cheese.
- Bacon or Sausage & Egg Burrito: Filled with Applewood smoked bacon or savory country sausage, farm-fresh scrambled eggs, and melted cheddar cheese.
These items are available for breakfast, lunch or dinner at all locations, while supplies last.
Download the mobile app from Google Play or the App Store and start earning Huddle rewards instantly.
Twin Peaks Restaurants
New menu items – The chain has added three special, fish-focused dishes:
- Lobster Mac N’ Cheese ($14.49) – Sweet & tender lobster, cavatappi, three cheese sauce, roasted corn & red peppers, garlic butter breadcrumbs, applewood smoked bacon, parsley
- Rainbow Trout ($16.29) – Blackened rainbow trout, roasted tomato butter, grilled asparagus, lemon garlic pilaf
- Lobster Roll B.L.T. ($16.29) – Lobster salad, bacon, butter-toasted King’s Hawaiian® Rolls, mixed greens, tomato, red onion, celery, lemon mayo, green onions, served with seasoned French fries and grilled lemon
Blimpie
New menu item – We don’t hear from this sandwich chain often, so it’s good to hear that Blimpie is adding a new choice to its menu of subs.
For a limited time, choose the new Ultimate Roast Beef.
Committed to the Bigger, Better, Blimpie® motto, the Ultimate Roast Beef features a larger portion of Blimpie’s premium roast beef.
Complemented with the fresh flavors of lettuce, tomatoes, caramelized onions and horseradish mayo, this new sandwich is expected to become a new favorite among customers.
McDonald’s
The chain has extended its Free Fries Friday is every Friday through December 2024.
Reminder that fry fans can get FREE medium fries with any purchase of $1 or more on Fridays via the McDonald’s app.
The offer is valid only on Fridays, and only if you order via the Mobile Order & Pay option. So if you haven’t already downloaded the McDonald’s app, this would be a good time to do it
BurgerFi
Children ages 12 and under now can enjoy a free kids meal on Mondays with the purchase of an adult meal at participating, exclusively for dine-in guests.
The Free Kids Meal is valid with any in-restaurant adult meal purchase. Adults can indulge in a wide range of premium BurgerFi offerings, including any premium BurgerFi burger, Chicken, VegeFi®, and Beyond Burger® options, complemented by regular-size Fresh-Cut Fries and a Coca-Cola Freestyle Beverage.
The Kids Eat Free menu includes the Single Burger or Cheeseburger, Hot Dog, Grilled Cheese, or Fried Chicken Tenders. Each meal includes a choice of a Natural Snack or Junior Fry as a side, accompanied by a Natural Juice or Coca-Cola Freestyle Beverage, and a custom BurgerFi activity sheet and crayons.
Also at BurgerFi – The chain also offers a premium VegeFi® Burger is made with a Quinoa + Veggie Blend burger, topped with White Cheddar, lettuce, tomato, Fi Sauce, and a vegan Multigrain Bun. The VegeFi® patty contains cheese. Fi Sauce contains Worcestershire Sauce.
For more information about BurgerFi or to find the nearest location, visit www.BurgerFi.com. Download the app for free fries on your first order
Olive Garden
For a limited time, the chain’s famous and popular Never Ending Pasta bowl returns for $13.99.
Get ready to loosen that belt buckle a couple of notches with unlimited servings of pasta, sauces and toppings plus soup or salad and breadsticks.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut has launched a $7 Deal Lover’s Menu featuring multiple Hut favorites including pizza, pastas, Pizza Hut Melts™, breadsticks, desserts, and more.
Treat yourself to two or more items for $7 each, 7 days a week, at participating locations.
The $7 Deal Lover’s Menu features an assortment of 17 delicious options all for $7 each when ordering two or more, including the introduction of three NEW menu items: Roasted Garlic Cheese Sticks, Bacon Cheddar Cheese Sticks, and Chocolate Donut Bites.
Other items on the Deal Lover’s Menu include: a Medium one Topping Pizza, Meat Lover’s Melt, Pepperoni Lover’s Melt, Chicken Bacon Parm Melt, Buffalo Chicken Melt, 8-Piece Boneless Wings, Double Order of Breadsticks, Cheese Sticks, Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Italian Meats Pasta, Cheesy Alfredo Pasta, Veggie Pasta, Cinnabon® Mini Rolls and a PEPSI-COLA® 4-Pack.
The $7 Deal Lover’s Menu is available for dine-in, carryout and delivery at participating locations. Hut Rewards loyalty members can earn points for every dollar spent on food, any way they order – online, by phone or in-store – including when they order from the $7 Deal Lover’s menu.
Pizza Hut also announces late-night extended operating hours at thousands of locations nationwide.
Those locations will now stay open until midnight or later, with several restaurants even staying open as late as 2 a.m.
Late-night diners can indulge in the full menu for delivery or carryout past the stroke of midnight in select stores across the country.
IHOP
For a limited time, IHOPPY Hour is back, with $6 full meals and $4 Snacks and Sides from 3pm to 10pm daily (and later at some locations). Some items are for dine-in only, others for take-out, so know before you go.
The IHOPPY Menu is as follows:
Everyday $6 or ($7 or $8 in some markets) Meals
- Chicken & Pancakes: Four crispy chicken breast strips with three buttermilk pancakes. Served with choice of dipping sauce.
- Classic Steakburger: Black Angus beef Steakburger with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles and IHOP Sauce. Served with a side of French fries, onion rings, or 2 buttermilk pancakes.
- Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich: Crispy chicken breast, American cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles and IHOP Sauce. Served with a side of French fries, onion rings, or 2 buttermilk pancakes.
- BLT Sandwich: Hickory-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato & mayo on toasted white bread. Served with a side of French fries, onion rings or 2 buttermilk pancakes.
- Quick 2-Egg Breakfast: Two eggs, hash browns, 2 bacon strips or 2 pork sausage links & toast.
- Ham & Cheese Omelette: Diced ham, shredded Jack & cheddar cheese, and white cheese sauce. Served with 3 buttermilk pancakes.
- Classic Breakfast Burrito or Bowl: Scrambled eggs, choice of bacon pieces or diced sausage, shredded Jack & Cheddar & hash browns. Served with a side of our salsa.
Everyday $4 Deals
- Mozza Sticks: Six crispy Mozzarella cheese sticks served with marinara.
- French Fries & Onion Rings Sampler: A generous helping of onion rings and French fries served with IHOP Sauce.
- Our Original French Toast: Four triangles topped with real whipped butter & dusted with powdered sugar.
- Crispy Chicken Strips: 3 crispy chicken strips in Original style, or Frank’s RedHot Buffalo sauce or tangy BBQ sauce. Served with choice of dipping sauce.
- Pancake Sundae: 2 buttermilk pancakes topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, rainbow sprinkles & whipped topping. This one’s dine-in only.
Image: Chili’s
Chili’s
For a limited time, get three items for just $10.99.
The 3 For Me promotion returns after a there year hiatus with offers unbeatable value for a bottomless drink, bottomless chips and salsa, a cheeseburger and fries.
Upgrade with Crispy Chicken Crispers or a 6 oz. Classic Sirloin for $13.99 and $15.99, respectively. Spike or sweeten the meal with a Classic Margarita or slice of Cheesecake for just $2.49 per item.
Available all day, every day during restaurant hours for dine-in, to-go or delivery,
The meal deal is being promoted with a “3 for Me” music remix in collaboration with Grammy-nominated R&B Artist, Brian McKnight, with a new tune that is a reimagination of one of the singer’s most iconic ballads, “Back at One,” playfully breaking down how diners can create a custom, budget-friendly feast.
It’s being used in Chili’s TV commercials, on the chain’s YouTube channel and social media accounts.
Pizza Hut
For a limited time, the chain’s famous 16” New York-style pizza, “The Big New Yorker,” returns to its menu after its initial launch 24 years ago.
The iconic pizza is available at participating Pizza Hut restaurants nationwide.
The Big New Yorker is inspired by the spirit of New York with an XL pizza that is as big and bold as the city that never sleeps.
Each 16″ pizza features six oversized, foldable slices with crispy crust and bold flavors including sweet marinara sauce and Parmesan oregano seasoning on top to mimic an authentic New York pizzeria build.
One order of The Big New Yorker extra-large pizza comes with double pepperoni, or one choose-your-own topping for a price starting at $13.99. Orders can be customized with extra toppings or extra cheese for an additional charge.
The New York style pizza was first introduced in 1999. Since being retired from the menu, there have been numerous requests to bring the pizza back on menus. Click here to find your nearest participating Pizza Hut location.
The chain also recently introduced a line of Oven-Baked Pastas, with premium ingredients and savory sauces, priced at $8.99 for one or double up with “Family Pasta Pairs,” any two recipes starting at $13.99.
All Oven-Baked Pastas include breadsticks or garlic bread, where available- in case of “luckily-I-have-leftover-sauce” cleanups, come in four distinct recipes that cater to any flavor preference and are finished with a new parmesan oregano topping:
- Chicken Alfredo: You can’t go wrong with this classic combination of NEW creamy Alfredo sauce, grilled chicken, and oven-baked cheese.
- Italian Meats: Fill up on this savory new recipe that’s packed with sweet tomato sauce, pepperoni, Italian sausage and of course, cheese.
- Cheesy Alfredo: A cheese lover’s dream featuring a NEW creamy Alfredo sauce and two layers of cheese with baked-fresh parmesan on top.
- Veggie: A flavorful combo of sweet tomato sauce, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, black olives and oven-baked cheese.
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
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