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Home » Fast Food Deals & New Menu Items Through June, July & Beyond

Fast Food Deals & New Menu Items Through June, July & Beyond

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

The best of what’s new includes 100 days of deals at Wendy’s, Friday freebies at Sonic, Subway $1 footlong with a purchase, return of all-you-can-eat at Applebee’s and Golden Corral, Chicken & Waffles are back at KFC, three-course meal for $14.99 at Outback Steakhouse, campfire meals return to Cracker Barrel, $9.99 meal deals at Farmer Boys, 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.


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Restaurant & Fast Food Deals for Seniors 55+


Subway $1 sandwich deal graphic_evelynkanter.comSubway

Through June 30 – Get a Footlong for just $1 with the purchase of a Footlong at the regular price.

The BOGO deal is only for MVP Rewards members, so if you aren’t already a member, this would be a good time to join to get the deal.

Use promo code BOGO1 on the Subway app or website to save on chef-crafted subs or create their own sandwich masterpiece on freshly-baked bread – all packed with freshly sliced deli meats, savory steak, juicy chicken, hand-chopped veggies and finished with one of Subway’s 11 signature sauces.

For a limited time, the sandwich chain continues to offer other daily deals –

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.

Through August 9, get a Footlong for $1 when you buy One Footlong – Promo Code: BOGO1

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

 

new fast food items
Photo: Wendy’s

Wendy’s

Through July 26, Wendy’s Summer of Savings promotion offers 100 days of deals, with a different deal for one cent or one dollar every week through Labor Day.

The program launched on National Hamburger Day on May 28,  with the chain’s classic Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for just one cent.  It’s one of the chain’s most popular items, featuring  the restaurant’s signature square beef patty and Applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, American cheese and mayo.

The one cent burger deal runs from May 28 to June 1 and is valid with any purchase after applying the digital offer, available only in the Wendy’s app.  Limit one per customer – as are all Summer of Savings deals.

June 7 to July 26 – Next is the $1 Dave’s Single with any purchase, available every Saturday.

Adding to the summer hype, Wendy’s just  added two new items to the menu to pair with the burger deals – the new  Frosty Swirls and Frosty Fusions

If you aren’t a member Wendy’s Rewards yet, this would be a good time to join, to get these 100 days of deals.Sonic Drive-In poster for Friday deals_evelynkanter

SONIC Drive-In

From June 20 through August 29, fans can open the SONIC App every Friday to unwrap a new freebie that’s automatically loaded and ready to redeem with any qualifying purchase. No codes. No hoops. Just free flavor to fuel the weekend.

Friday freebies include –

  • Corn Dogs
  • Classic SONIC Shakes with Purchase
  • SONIC Tots and Groovy Fries
  • Mozzarella Sticks
  • SONIC Cheeseburgers
  • ️ And more

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.

Dave & Buster's orange logo_evelynkanter

Dave & Buster’s

Through Sept. 1 – Buy and use the first-ever Summer Season Pass, for unlimited video game play, daily food and beverage discounts, access to new exclusive games and prizes.

The passes include the hottest new games, including 10 epic additions like Top Gun Maverick, UFC Challenge, Godzilla VR, NBA Superstars, Cyberpunk, and more.

There are three pass tiers –

  • Silver: Unlimited weekday game play + 10% off food and non-alcoholic drinks – for $69.99 ($500+ Value)
  • Gold: Unlimited daily game play + 20% off food and non-alcoholic drinks + earn up to 1,000 tickets each week – for $99.99($700+ Value)
  • Platinum: Unlimited daily game play (no blackout dates) + 30% off food and non-alcoholic drinks + earn up to 2,000 tickets each week – for $149.99 ($800+ Value)
Best deals, discounts and new menu items at national restaurant chains_evelynkanter
Photo: Chipotle

Chipotle’s

Through August 31 – If you’re into playing games to get deals on food, the Summer of Extras promotion is for you.  Play to earn some of more than $1 million in free burritos to Chipotle Rewards members.
Opt into the online game to rack up extra points and exclusive badges for completing up to four milestones per month, to get sweepstakes entries for a chance to win free burritos for a year and a limited-edition stainless steel gift card.
In other words – You must purchase at least seven entrees before August 31 to earn badges, to qualify for the free food, with no guarantee that you will actually win any free food.
At the end of the summer, there will be one sweepstakes winner per state in the 48 states in which Chipotle operates, plus Washington D.C., for a total of 49 winners. Here’s how the program works –
  • After the purchase of one entrée, get 50 bonus points, five sweepstakes entries and an Extras badge
  • After the purchase of two more entrées, get 100 bonus points, 10 sweepstakes entries and an Extras badge
  • After the purchase of two more entrées, get 200 bonus points, 15 sweepstakes entries and an Extras badge
  • After the purchase of two more entrées, get 300 bonus points, 30 sweepstakes entries and an Extras badge
If this game is for you, and you are not yet a reward program member, opt into the program online here.
Platter of ribs and sides_evelynkanter

Smokey Bones

The chain is helping guests feel less of the economic squeeze by slashing prices on their award-winning, signature house ribs.

The House Rack is served with two sides and a slice of golden, toasted garlic bread for just $14.99 for the half-rack and $19.99 for a full-rack, plus a variety of sides that pair perfectly with ribs, including BBQ Baked Beans, Creamy Coleslaw, Fire-Roasted Corn, Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Mac & Cheese.

The Smokey Bones House Rack is their signature imported baby back ribs. These award-winning ribs are seasoned and hand-rubbed before being house-smoked for four hours and flavored with a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce. The ribs are served with a choice of two sides and garlic bread.

Join the Bones Club for perks including savings and points on every purchase, birthday treats,  and less wait time at the restaurants, and more. Signup is free. New members receive an instant $5 off reward and 50 points towards your next visit.

KFC Chicken & Waffles_evelynkanter.comKFC

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.

Three platters of food_evelynkanterApplebee’s

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

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.

Chicken Tenders come with a choice of two dipping sauces, including Classic Buffalo, Honey BBQ, Sweet Asian Chile, Honey Dijon Mustard, Hot Honey Glaze, and the brand new Spicy Honey Mustard. House-made Buttermilk Ranch and Bleu Cheese options are also available.

Riblets are cut from tender pork and slow-cooked. They are served with either Honey BBQ or Sweet Asian Chile sauce. Double Crunch Shrimp are battered, fried, and served with cocktail sauce.

The deal is dine-in only, meaning you can’t order all-you-can-eat takeout, and no sharing allowed.

The offer is limited to one person per order; no sharing is permitted. Guest must be 21 or older.

Beverage promotions for the summer include Bacardi Buckets in three tropical flavors and a new “Dirty Fountain Sodas.” As the name suggests, the “dirty” part comes from guests’ twists on the sipper. Add cream, whipped cream, and a cherry to their soda for an additional $1.

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.

Golden Corral graphic of meal deal_evelynkanter

Golden Corral

Through June 29 – The buffet chain is bringing back All-You-Can-Eat Chicken Tenders and Baby Back Ribs, at dinner only, from 4pm at participating locations.

The brand is offering even more variety with three new  sauce options for tenders – Honey Mustard, Garlic Buffalo, and Mango Habanero – available in self-serve squeeze bottles at the table.

There’s also the option to get the Chicken Tenders and Baby Back Ribs promotional items through Golden Corral’s To Go choices, including Weigh & Pay, Delivery, or Online Ordering.

Complement the meal with  Minute Maid® beverages, with options including Strawberry Lemonade, Limeade, Mango Lime Agua Fresca, and Strawberry Hibiscus Agua Fresca.

Additionally, Golden Corral Rewards Members can be entered for a chance to win an MLS All-Star Game and VIP Experience Package with the prchase of a beverage and scan their Golden Corral Rewards QR code. For rules and additional information visit GoldenCorral.com/MLS_AllStar.

 

Image of steak dinner_evelynkanter.comOutback 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 graphic 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.

 

Graphic of a $9.99 meal deal at a national restaurant chain_evelynkanter.com

Perkins American Food Co.

The family-dining restaurant chain is celebrating National Burger Month with the introduction of The Great American Burger Trio – a cheeseburger, fries, and pie, all for just $9.99.

The Burger, Fries, and Pie combo includes an 100% Angus beef cheeseburger served on a  warm brioche bun, paired with crispy fries, and a slice of pie made daily at the in-store bakery.

Choose from classics like tangy Lemon Meringue, homestyle Apple Pie, and the best-selling French Silk. And just in time for the season, the brand is bringing back the long-awaited Strawberry Pie, which is made from fresh, hand-cut strawberries prepared each morning.

Join the Perkins e-Club and receive 20% off your next visit just for signing up for the program. Plus, receive other exclusive offers.

The chain also 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.  This deal is available at select Perkins locations only.

Olive Garden $12 lunch deal_evelynkanter.comOlive 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.

Three stacked burgers on a logo napkin_evelynkanter.com

Huddle House

The chain has rolled out Smashed Burger lineup to the permanent menu.  There are three choices –

  • HuddleBurger® Smash Deluxe: Two seasoned smashed all beef patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle chips, and the signature sweet & tangy Huddle sauce on a toasted potato bun.
  • Mega Bacon Smash Deluxe: Two seasoned smashed all beef patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, four strips of Applewood smoked bacon, pickle chips, and the signature sweet & tangy Huddle sauce on a toasted potato bun.
  • Breakfast Smash: A seasoned smashed all beef patty, American cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, a farm-fresh egg, and the signature sweet & tangy Huddle sauce on a toasted potato bun.

Download the mobile app to earn points to redeem for meals.Shrimp, corn on the cob and potatoes in a foil-lined skillet_evelynkanter

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.

Graphic of Dickey's plate of food

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Through August 31 – There’s a new Smoke Stacks menu offering the option to choose from signature Smoke Stacks or build your  own custom stack from a mix of slow-smoked meats, sides, and toppings.

Already a fan favorite, the Brisket Mac Stack and Chili Mac Stack are just the beginning. The new menu expands on this concept by turning favorites into fully customizable stacked creations.

Farmer Boys boxed meals and drinks_evelynkanter.com

Farmer Boys

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

Through June 30th, the new spring lineup includes Bacon Big Cheese® Box, Double Bacon Boy Box, 3pc Chicken Strips Box, 4pc Chicken Strips Box, and a Classic or Fiery Fried Chicken Sandwich Box, all of  which all include a small Always Crispy Fries® and a small drink.

New to the menu  is the ½ Club Sandwich & Garden Salad Box, a fresh and healthy spin featuring locally baked La Brea ciabatta, with sliced ham and turkey, hand-sliced tomato, crisp lettuce, American Swiss, Italian dressing, mayonnaise, and topped with thick hickory-smoked bacon with a Garden Salad and a small drink.

Also new is the Butterscotch Coffee made with 100% sustainably sourced Arabica coffee beans.

Graphic of new McDonald's McValue items_ecoxplorer.com

McDonald’s

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 $5 bowls_ecoxplorr.com

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' $5 meal deal logo_ecxplorer.comDunkin’

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 products_ecoxplorer.comPizza 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.

Graphic of new daily themed menus at Shoney's as part of article on best new menu items and discounts at national restaurant chains_ecoXplorer

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

Hand holding a Taco Bell chalupa to illustrate article about new menu items and deals at national restaurant and fast food chains_ecoXplorer

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.

Discounts, freebies and new menu items at national restaurant and fast food chains_ecoxplorer

Panera Bread

For a limited time, there are new menu items for lunch and dinner.

Croissant Toast Sandwiches headline a spring lunch and dinner menu refresh that also features the introduction of new menu items including the Strawberry Chicken Caprese Salad. The menu also features the return of perennial guest favorites Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad and Mexican Street Corn Chowder nationwide.

Croissant Toast Sandwiches feature a sandwich bread made from croissant dough, in two varieties –

  • Croque Monsieur Croissant Toast: Black Forest ham, melty provolone and asiago cheeses, and a caramelized onion and gruyere spread come together to make a ham and cheese sandwich.
  • Fromage Croissant Toast: Melty provolone and American cheeses, caramelized onions, arugula, and garlic aioli transform a simple classic.

There also are new grilled 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

Panera Bread drops its Charged and Sips drinks because of lawsuits and two deaths from the high caffeine content_ecoxplorer

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

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 on Dune 45 NamibiaecoXplorer 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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Filed Under: Food and Drink, Frugal Living Tagged With: 7-Eleven, Applebee's, Blimpie's, Burger King, Chili's, Chipotle, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Dairy Queen, Dave & Buster's, Dickey's Barbecue Pit, DQ, Dunkin', Farmer Boys, fast food deals, fast food specials, Golden Corral, holiday gift cards, Huddle House, KFC, McDonald's, new menu items, No Kid Hungry, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Panera Bread, Papa John's, Perkins American Food Co., pizza, Pizza Hut, Red Lobster, Red Robin, Shake Shack, Shoney's, Smokey Bones, Sonic, Subway, Taco Bell, Taco John, vegan menu items, Wendy's

Comments

  1. Al says

    October 17, 2024 at 10:22 am

    How can the Wendy’s Free be FREE for only $1.00?

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  1. What We're Reading This Week says:
    July 29, 2024 at 6:02 am

    […] also – ecoXplorer article – best deals and new menu items at national restaurant […]

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