Fast Food Deals & New Menu Items Through April, May & Beyond

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

Top new deals include Olive Garden BOGO dinners, Taco John’s freebies, new spring menu at Friendly’s, Lobsterfest returns to Red Lobster, seafood fest at Shoney’s, $6.99 footlongs and other daily deals at Subway, $9.99 meal deals at Farmer Boys, new tuna melts at Blimpie and Friendly’s, FREE shakes at Shake Shack 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+

Olive Garden

For a limited time, the popular Buy One – Take One Home Free deal is back, for dinners starting at $14.99.

Red Lobster

Through April 20 – The chain’s  most legendary event of the year is back and bigger than ever, so it’s being promoted as the GLOAT: The Greatest Lobsterfest of All Time.

That includes a new upgrade choice –  a Create Your Own option. For the first time ever, guests can build their dream plate by selecting two or three lobster entrées.

There’s also a new promotion with NBA All-Star Blake Griffin, which includes lobster Blake Griffin’s Way: a winning lineup featuring Rock Lobster Tail, NEW Garlic Butter-Poached Maine Lobster, and NEW Lobster Mac & Cheese, all on one plate.

Returning fan favorites, including hush puppies and popcorn shrimp, are back, all served with endless Cheddar Bay Biscuits.

Prices may vary by location.

Shoney’s

Through April 19 – Shoney’s will offer a variety of seafood options daily which will culminate with its ENDLESS Seafood Fresh Food Bar every Friday after 4 pm local time.

Choices include Crispy Fish Filets, Crispy Pile O’ Shrimp, Shoney’s Fish Sandwich, Baked Teriyaki Salmon, Clam Chowder, Gumbo Soup.

In addition to its Seafood Fresh Food Bar, Shoney’s perfect complements include fried okra, hush puppies, seasoned cabbage, white and brown gravy, green beans, corn & red peppers, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes as well as a fresh fruit, salad and dessert bar.

Perkins American Food Co.

The chain known for homestyle meals and breakfast-all-day has launched The Great American Pancake Trio for just $4.99, featuring a choice of  classic buttermilk, chocolate chip, blueberry, or strawberry flavors. Other sides or toppings are additional.

The recipes reflect Perkins legacy since 1958, when it first opened as a single pancake house.

Additionally, for a limited time, there are ½ price appetizers from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to close, including Chicken Strips, MozzaSticks, Fried Pickles, Onion Rings and Strawberry & Cream Cheese Crispers.

Available at select Perkins locations only.Join the Perkins e-Club and receive 20% off your next visit, along with exclusive offers delivered directly to your inbox.

Friendly’s.

In honor of its 90th birthday, the iconic family restaurant is launching a new seasonal menu, “Legacy in Bloom,” featuring a fresh lineup of flavorful dishes and sweet treats.

Through June 3, the spring menu includes –

Friendly’s Famous Fried Ravioli – Golden brown cheese ravioli topped with Parmesan cheese, served with a side of marinara sauce.  (Starting at $8.29)

Strawberry & Walnut Salad – A refreshing mix of spring greens, fresh strawberries, red onions, Feta cheese and walnuts, tossed in balsamic vinaigrette. Add grilled or fried chicken for an extra protein boost. (Starting at $14.49, add chicken for $3)

Orchard Wrap – A fresh and flavorful combination of grilled chicken, mixed greens, apple slices, walnuts and dried cranberries, all wrapped in a flour tortilla and served with golden fries. (Starting at $14.99)

New England Fisherman’s Quesadilla – A seaside twist on a classic featuring golden brown cod fillets, melted cheese, grilled onions and tomatoes stuffed in warm tortillas. Served with sour cream, salsa and golden fries. (Starting at $16.99)

Ultimate Friendly’s Cheeseburger – A hearty Big Beef^® burger stacked with Tillamook^® white cheddar, mini mozzarella sticks, mayo, tomatoes and lettuce on a grilled potato bun, served with golden fries. (Starting at $14.49)

Shrimp Platter – Crispy fried shrimp with coleslaw, cocktail sauce and golden fries. (Starting at $17.49)

This Spring’s lineup of whimsical Conehead sundaes (Starting at $4.99)

• March – Piglet Conehead
  Enjoy creamy strawberry ice cream topped with banana slices (acting as its ears and nose), rich hot fudge, fluffy whipped topping and M&M^®’s for eyes.
• April – Bunny Conehead
  Indulge in vanilla ice cream drizzled with blue marshmallows, paired with banana slices and soft pound cake cubes. Topped with rainbow sprinkles, a dollop of whipped topping, a bright red cherry and M&M’s^® for a burst of color and crunch.
• May – Ollie the Octopus
  Dive into Ollie the Octopus’ undersea adventure with strawberry ice cream nestled in a sea of blue marshmallow waves, topped with cherry eyes and gummy worm legs.

Chick-fil-A

The Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich returns to menus nationwide, this time featuring three options – original and spicy, alongside the classic grilled filet.

The chicken is paired with crispy bacon hand-tossed in a brown sugar and black pepper blend, topped with Colby Jack cheese, green leaf lettuce and a smoky BBQ sauce, served on a toasted, buttery, sweet yeast bun.

Also -for a limited time at participating locations only –  are four new Pineapple Dragonfruit beverages.

• Pineapple Dragonfruit Frosted Lemonade – combines Lemonade (or Diet Lemonade) and Icedream® dessert, mixed with natural pineapple and dragonfruit flavors.
• Pineapple Dragonfruit Lemonade – mix of  Lemonade (or Diet Lemonade) and natural pineapple and dragonfruit flavors.
• Pineapple Dragonfruit Iced Tea – Freshly-brewed daily from a blend of tea leaves and mixed with natural pineapple and dragonfruit flavors.
• Pineapple Dragonfruit Sunjoy – Combines lemonade and freshly-brewed sweetened iced tea with natural pineapple and dragonfruit flavors.

Farmer Boys

The chain introduces a permanent new Farmstand Fresh & Affordable Menu starting at $9.99, which will be updated seasonally.

To start, this is what’s on the menu –

• Big Cheese® Box – A ¼ lb. 100% USDA fresh, never-frozen beef patty, topped with American cheese, crisp lettuce, freshly sliced tomato, dill pickles, diced onion, and house-made 1000 Island dressing. Served on a locally baked premium brioche bun, with a small Always Crispy Fries® and a small drink.
• Double Big Cheese® Box – A 1/2lb. double Big Cheese with small Always Crispy Fries® and a small drink.
• 3pc Chicken Strips Box – Three tender, seasoned, and battered white meat chicken strips fried to crispy perfection, with Texas toast, small Always Crispy Fries® and a small drink.
• 4pc Chicken Strips Box – Four crispy, seasoned, and battered white meat chicken strips, with Texas toast, small Always Crispy Fries® and a small drink.
• Grilled Chicken Sandwich Box – A perfectly grilled chicken breast with tomato, green leaf lettuce, and mayonnaise on a toasted brioche Served with small Crispy Fries® and a small drink.
• 2pc Battered Fish Box – Two beer-battered Alaska pollock fillets, crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, paired with small Always Crispy Fries® and a small drink.
• 3pc Battered Fish Box – Three beer-battered Alaska pollock fillets, crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, served with small Always Crispy Fries® and a small drink.

The Golden Arches has introduced one of its most major menu changes in years – 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 include:

• Sausage McMuffin®, Sausage Biscuit, Sausage Burrito, Hash Browns

McValue Lunch/Dinner Buy One, Add One for $1 menu items include:

• 6-pc. 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.**

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.

Subway

Two deals available only for a limited time –

One is the return of the $6.99 any footlong promotion, by using promo code 699FL on the Subway app or Subway.com.

The other deal is a BOGO footlong sandwich.

Use promo code FLBOGO on the chain’s website or the app to order one footlong and get another footlong free.  It must be of equal or lesser price and excludes Footlong Snacks, The Beast/5 Meat Italian, and the Garlic Roast Beef.

The sandwich chain also continues to offer its new  Meal of the Day, celebrating a different sandwich each day of the week for $6.99 for a six-inch sub and $9.99 for a footlong.

The daily deal also includes a choice of two cookies or a bag of chips and a small fountain drink.

Every day features a different Subway favorite:

• Monday – Cold Cut Combo®
• Tuesday – All-Pro Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki®
• Wednesday – Meatball Marinara
• Thursday – All-New Baja Chipotle Chicken
• Friday – Tuna
• Saturday – The Ultimate B.M.T.®
• Sunday – The Philly

If you are not already a member of Subway’s loyalty program, this would be a good time to join, for exclusive savings and rewards through Subway MVP Rewards

Shake Shack

The popular burger, fries and shakes chain is offering a deal every week in 2025 — Worth It Wednesday – with a new discount or giveaway each week, including merchandise, to perk up your mid-week munchies.

The promo code WORTHIT is required at checkout to access each week’s offer. The deal is valid for orders placed at the kiosk in-restaurant or for delivery or pick-up via Shake Shack’s app or site.

Also –

Through March 31, 2025, the popular burger joint is offering a FREE shake with any $10+ purchase for online orders placed between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Get the required promo code here.

Blimpie

Through June 2, get the all-new warm, cheesy Tuna Melt, which Blimpie’s Tuna Melt features the brand’s signature tuna with American cheese, bacon, tomatoes, spinach and mayo on ciabatta bread that’s grilled panini-style and served warm.

Additionally, Blimpie is introducing two flavorful Premium Subs to the menu that will be available at all locations nationwide:

• Italiano: Ham, Capicola, Proscuittini, Salami, Pepperoni, Provolone, Tomatoes, Lettuce, Onions, Black olives, Mayo, Vinegar, Oil & Oregano
• Blimpie Best® Deluxe: Ham, Salami, Capicola, Proscuittini, Provolone, Tomatoes, Lettuce, Onions, Banana Peppers, Mayo, Vinegar, Oil & Oregano

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.

Sonic

The 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.

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.

Applebee’s

For a limited time, enjoy the return of the popular  All You Can Eat Special, which includes Boneless Wings, Riblets, and Double Crunch Shrimp.

The endless stream of summery cookout-themed bites is accompanied by bottomless fries (and coleslaw) for $15.99, which is one dollar more than the same deal offered in January 2024.  Blame inflation for the one-dollar increase.

Also, this time around, the deal is dine-in only, meaning you can’t order all-you-can-eat takeout, and no sharing allowed.

If you aren’t already a member, join Club Applebee’s for free and earn a complimentary appetizer and a free birthday dessert if you happen to be born the day you’re visiting.

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.

Panera Bread

New menu items include Spicy Chicken Fiesta and Kickin’ Grilled Cheese sandwiches alongside two new Avocado Toast varieties.

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

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

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