Fast Food Deals & New Menu Items Through September, October & Beyond

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.

What’s new includes Pumpkin Spice donuts return to Krispy Kreme, new IHOP $6 everyday value menu, 85 cent Blizzards at Dairy Queen, deals for National Cheeseburger Day, Subway re-introduces its 500 calorie Fresh Fit sandwich choices, Domino’s $9.99 deal includes toppings, Applebee’s $14.99 menu, $15,99 shrimp menu at Red Lobster, Applebee’s potato wedges and hot & spicy wings return to KFC, new Burger King crispy onion Whopper, McDonaldland retro meals and shakes, all-you-can-eat wings at Golden Corral, 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 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+

National Cheeseburger Week Deals

Did you know that September 18 is National Cheeseburger Day?  Now you do, and you also should know about these deals –

Huddle House

The brand recently launched its all-new loyalty program, Huddle House Rewards, and kicks things off with a two-week Smashed Burger celebration through September 30.

During this event, Huddle Rewards members claim one FREE Single Smashed Burger Deluxe at participating locations while supplies last in honor of National Cheeseburger Day.  Sign up online or through the Huddle House app, available on Google Play and the App Store. Or, simply scan a QR code to sign up and access benefits without downloading the app.

September 26 to October 3 – Also,  For National Pancake Day, members can dig into a Pancake Platter Breakfast for just 26 reward points  Then, from September 28 to October 3, guests can also toast National Coffee Day with a free fresh-brewed coffee with any meal purchase.

Through September 30, Huddle Rewards members can claim a FREE Single Smashed Burger Deluxe at participating locations while supplies last. You must be a loyalty program member by Sept. 18 to be eligible for daily and weekly deals.

September 26 through October 3, members can redeem a Free Pancake Platter Breakfast for only 25 points in celebration of National Pancake Day.

September 28 through October 3, enjoy a Free Cup of Coffee with any purchase for National Coffee Day.

Sign up online or through the Huddle House app, available on Google Play and the App Store. Or, scan a QR code to sign up instantly and start earning points immediately. Members earn one point for every $1 spent and can redeem points for favorites, including starters, desserts, and entrées.

MVP members receive exclusive benefits, including bonus points and invitations to special events. MVP and All-Star levels feature monthly rewards such as free waffles and additional breakfasts throughout the year. Members can also track points in real time and access personalized deals that make every visit more rewarding.

IHOP

For the first time, the brand is introducing a $6 everyday value menu as part of its core offerings ($7 in some locations). The IHOP Value Menu is available seven days a week from 7AM to 10PM for only $6 at participating restaurants nationwide.

Choices include  four complete breakfast meals made fresh on the griddle with quality ingredients and your favorite sides.

Breakfast Faves Combo: From sunrise to sunset, this combo hits the spot. Two fluffy, buttermilk pancakes, two eggs and two bacon strips or two pork sausage links.

Ham & Cheese Omelette:  Ham, jack & cheddar & white cheese sauce. Served with two buttermilk pancakes.

French Toast Faves Combo:One slice of Classic Thick ‘N Fluffy French Toast, two bacon strips or two pork sausage links & two eggs.

House Scramble: Eggs scrambled with chopped hickory-smoked bacon and jack & cheddar cheese. Served with crispy hash browns.

Krispy Kreme

It’s a sure sign of Autumn when Krispy Kreme brings back Pumpkin Spice donuts and beverages and other autumn flavors.

For a limited time, the all-new Fall Fair Collection is an assortment of four doughnuts inspired by the sights, smells and iconic tastes of your favorite seasonal fairgrounds, no ticket required.

Cotton Candy Doughnut – Our iconic Original Glazed® doughnut gets a tasty twist! Dipped in vibrant blue icing and coated with cotton candy flavored sugar, it’s topped with a playful strawberry-flavored icing swirl and a fluffy cotton candy-flavored buttercreme dollop. It’s sweet, colorful and absolutely dreamy.

Kreme™ Puff Doughnut – A fairground favorite reimagined! This unglazed ring doughnut is swirled with rich Kreme™, dusted with sweet powdered coating and crowned with a cheerful Doughnut Dot – a perfect little pop of joy on top.

Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Doughnut – A blue-ribbon bite every time. This unglazed shell doughnut is bursting with apple cinnamon filling, dipped in gooey caramel flavored icing, sprinkled with cinnamon cookie crumbs and drizzled with white icing. It’s the flavor of fall wrapped in doughnut form.

Caramel Churro Doughnut – Get ready for a crispy, caramel-coated thrill! Covered in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with luscious caramel flavored icing, this doughnut brings the crunchy, sweet satisfaction of a fair churro.

Krispy Kreme’s Fall Fair Collection is available in-shop and for pickup or delivery via Krispy Kreme’s app and website, individually and by the dozen.

Also available for a limited time – 

• Original Glazed® Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut, a pumpkin spice-tastic take on the classic cake doughnut. Original Glazed® and bursting with pumpkin spice flavor, making for an irresistible cake doughnut.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte, made to order hot, iced or frozen, topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin spice seasoning.
• Pumpkin Spice Coffee served hot or iced.

Dairy Queen

Through September 21 – DQ celebrates its 85th year with 85 cent Blizzards.  It’s available only through the DQ Mobile App with any purchase of $1 or more at DairyQueen.com or download the DQ® Mobile App.

There’s also a new  Fall Treat Collection, featuring seasonal flavors.

• New! Caramel Toffee Cookie Blizzard Treat: Thick, chewy cookie pieces, toffee, and caramel blended with world-famous DQ soft serve.
• Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat: Real pumpkin pie pieces blended with DQ soft serve to and garnished with whipped topping and nutmeg.
• New! Maple Cookie Shake: DQ soft serve blended with Maple Cookie Crumble base, real milk and garnished with whipped topping.

Subway

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.

Red Lobster

For a limited time, the chain is adding Ultimate SpendLESS Shrimp, a trio of shrimp dishes – Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp Linguini Alfredo and Popcorn Shrimp – for just $15.99,

Also, Red Lobster is adding fan-favorite  Seafood Boils to the permanent menu for consistently bold flavors and an unforgettable experiential dining experience.

Additionally, they are  introducing a limited-time lineup of fall-inspired cocktails perfect for pairing with your favorite dish or enjoying for happy hour this season:

• Caramel Dream – Absolut Vodka, butterscotch, caramel and cream, garnished with a sea salt chocolate caramel
• Apple Harvest Punch – Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, cranberry, lemon and apple juice, topped with an apple slice and cinnamon stick
• Gold Rush – Maker’s Mark Bourbon, honey, and sparkling gold shimmer, garnished with fresh mint

To view the complete menu or find a restaurant location, visit Red Lobster’s website.

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.

KFC

The chain’s beloved Potato Wedges and top-rated Hot & Spicy Wings are officially back nationwide by demand, since they were discontinued in 2020.

The wings pair a spicy marinade with double hand-breading in KFC’s signature Extra Crispy™ flour, available while supplies last.

Enjoy wedges on their own, substitute any side for wedges or try them in the new six-piece wings and wedges combo that comes with a medium drink.

KFC also is launching some affordable back-to-school deal, also starting on August 18  –

• $3.99 Chicken Sandwich: An Extra Crispy™ chicken breast filet on a toasted brioche bun, topped with pickles and the Colonel’s real mayo or spicy mayo.
• $20 Wings & Wedges Fan Favorites Box: 10 Hot & Spicy Wings, 12 KFC Chicken Nuggets, Potato Wedges, four biscuits and four dipping sauces.

Starting Sept 4th –

• 20 Wings for $20: 20 Hot & Spicy Wings and four dipping sauces of your choice for $20 (a KFC digital exclusive offer).

Also, the popular $10 Tuesdays deal continues – your choice of eight pieces of classic fried chicken or eight Original Recipe® Tenders for just $10 on Tuesday.

 Burger King

Following the BBQ Brisket Whopper – the first innovation in the newly launched “Whopper by You” platform – there’s an all-new take on the flame-grilled classic – the Crispy Onion Whopper is the ultimate mix of sweet, savory and crunch that BK fans have been asking for.

The Crispy Onion Whopper features more than ¼ lb. of flame-grilled beef  topped with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy mayo, melty American cheese, bacon and crunchy pickles with golden onion rings, crispy onions and a sweet & smoky BBQ sauce.

For a smaller taste of crunchy, onion-y deliciousness, BK is also offering the latest Whopper innovation as a Whopper Jr. – similar to the BBQ Brisket Whopper.

Guests can continue to share their next great Whopper innovations via the “Whopper by You” platform by visiting BK.com/WBY.

With each qualifying submission, Guests can redeem one of several special Royal Perks rewards assigned at random, including $0.01 Whopper sandwich each week for a year, free hamburgers, cheeseburgers, or Whopper Jr. sandwiches with purchase, and more.

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.

 Perkins American Food

For a limited time, the family-dining restaurant brand is launching its fall pumpkin menu, including   new Pumpkin Spice Coffee along with the return of fan favorites Pumpkin Cream Cheese Mammoth Muffin^® and Pumpkin Pie.

Additionally, Perkins is serving up its ultra comforting Pot Roast in both traditional and innovative ways.

• NEW BBQ Pot Roast Burger: Perkins dresses an Angus beef patty with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, onion tanglers, and tender, braised pot roast that’s topped with a BBQ sauce all on a brioche bun. Comes with a side of fries.
• NEW Loaded Pot Roast Totchos: Whether you’re sharing or indulging, this table favorite is loaded with BBQ-sauced beef pot roast, tater tots, shredded American cheese, Cheddar cheese sauce and topped with diced tomatoes and jalapenos.
• NEW Pot Roast Breakfast Skillet: A steaming skillet of breakfast potatoes, topped with pull-apart tender pot roast, scrambled eggs, diced peppers and onions, and American cheese.
• Classic Pot Roast: Tender chunks of braised beef, sweet green peas, tender carrots, onions, and a hearty beef gravy. Served with two dinner sides.
• Pot Roast Melt: Tender braised beef, grilled red onions, and melted cheddar cheese on grilled sourdough bread.

Panda Express

For a limited time, fan-favorite Hot Orange Chicken returns to all 2,500+ restaurants nationwide.

The Original Orange Chicken®, first introduced by Panda in 1987, revolutionized American Chinese cuisine, becoming a widespread cultural phenomenon. The crispy chicken wok-tossed in a sweet and semi-spicy orange sauce accounts for one third of all entrées sold at Panda. The brand served up  137 million pounds of the dish last year alone.

Its fiery counterpart, Hot Orange Chicken, turns up the heat – cranked up with 6X more crushed chillies and the same scorched dried chillies used in the brand’s Kung Pao Chicken.

McDonald’s

The Golden Arches is introducing the new McDonaldland Meal and Mt. McDonaldland Shake. The new menu items are inspired by the chain’s fictional world introduced in McDonald’s commercials during the early 1970s, where characters like Ronald McDonald and Grimace reside.

McDonaldland Meal comes with the choice of a Quarter Pounder with cheese or a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, fries and the brand-new Mt. McDonaldland Shake, which is is inspired by the blue lava and pink clouds of the mythical volcano, according to a press release.

IMHO – Any resemblance to the extremely popular old Happy Meals is  intended, since nostalgia sells these days.

The chain also recently introduced another major menu change –  the new value platform, McValue™, nationwide.

McValue will include current fan-favorites like the $5 Meal Deal, exclusive in-app offers, and local food and drink deals – plus, a brand new Buy One, Add One for $1 offer on popular items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. TLDR: More choices, any time hunger strikes.

Buy One, Add One for $1

Here’s how it works: buy one full-priced menu item from the McValue menu and add one more item of your choice for just $1.

• McValue Breakfast Buy One, Add One for $1 menu items including Sausage McMuffin®, Sausage Biscuit, Sausage Burrito, Hash Browns
• McValue Lunch/Dinner Buy One, Add One for $1 menu items including Chicken McNuggets®, Double Cheeseburger, McChicken®, Small Fries

$5 Meal Deal & More

The $5 Meal Deal has officially been extended through next summer and will include McValue choices.

The $5 Meal Deal features your choice of a McDouble® or McChicken® sandwich, small fries, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets® and a small soft drink for just $5.**

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.

Golden Corral

For a limited time, the national buffet chain is offering All-You-Can-Eat Wings.  Choices include  –

• golden-fried Traditional Bone-In Wings tossed in classic Buffalo sauce,
• the debut of  Hand-Breaded Boneless Wings, served without sauce, with a choice of Sweet Chili, Garlic Parmesan, or Buffalo sauces.

The All-You-Can-Eat Wings promotion is available for dinner on weekdays after 4 p.m. at participating locations. Weekend hours, item availability, and prices may vary.

Guests can also enjoy the bone-in and boneless wings promotion through Golden Corral’s To Go options (Weigh & Pay, Delivery, or Online Ordering).

 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.

Panera

For a limited time, enjoy three new, Italian-inspired menu items, part of a new summer menu –

• Italian Steak & Mozz: Tender, marinated sliced steak, fresh mozzarella, vine-ripened tomato, arugula, garlic aioli, fresh basil and Italian dressing on Black Pepper Focaccia.
• Italian Market Salad: Mixed greens with arugula, tossed in Italian dressing. Topped with soppressata, shredded asiago cheese, chopped basil, salt & pepper, chickpeas and croutons.
• Strawberry Basil Lemonade Fresca: Lemonade made with agave nectar and strawberry puree fruit blend, infused with fresh strawberries and basil.

Unlimited Sip Club® members can enjoy sipping on the refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonade Fresca as part of the suite of eligible beverages.

And, for a limited time, new subscribers who sign up by June 30 will receive three full months of endless fountain drinks, iced and hot coffee, teas and more.

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.

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.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

For a limited time – After seven years, the buffet chain  is welcoming back the brand’s beloved Campfire Meals – including an all new Campfire Shrimp Skillet, alongside Campfire Chicken and Campfire Beef, plus a new decadent S’mores Brownie Skillet featuring a HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bar.

Each Campfire Meal is braised with a signature blend of Campfire Seasoning, wrapped in tin foil and slow cooked to induce a bounty of aroma and flavor for guests to unlock right at the table. Each meal is served alongside Buttermilk Biscuits and Cornbread Muffins. The lineup features:

Campfire Shrimp Skillet – Starting at $10.99, this latest addition to the Campfire menu features grilled shrimp and andouille sausage cooked in a buttery broth with campfire-seasoned corn and potatoes, served in a cast iron skillet.

Campfire Chicken – A savory, marinated half-chicken is seasoned with campfire spices, slow-cooked with sweet corn on the cob, red skin potatoes, carrots, grape tomatoes and onions in a buttery broth.

Campfire Beef – Tender beef is slow-braised with the same classic campfire vegetables and spices, sealed in foil for hearty, savory goodness.

S’mores Brownie Skillet is a unique nod to the experience of making s’mores over a campfire. The new dessert features a rich chocolate brownie topped with a roasted marshmallow and a melting HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bar, all served warm over crumbled graham crackers and paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce.

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

Taco Bell

For a limited time, the chain is offering new Cheesy Street Chalupas, which are served as a bundle of two, featuring traditional street taco ingredients tremixed with premium proteins, all wrapped in chalupa shells that have been stuffed with melted mozzarella and pepperjack cheeses.

Choices are slow-roasted Cantina chicken or grilled, marinated steak, for $5.49.

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