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Home > Smart Spending > Archives > 2009 > February > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFast-food restaurant deals: No sign of slowing down
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The fast-food deals have come fast and furious.
A free “Grand Slam” breakfast offer (normally $5.99) at Denny’s on Feb. 3 draws 2 million customers across the continent.
Metro Atlanta Steak n Shakes drop the price of their steakburger ($2.49 or thereabouts) to 15 cents on the morning of Feb. 13, then bump it to 75 cents through March 29.
McDonald’s gives away a cup of coffee (generally beginning at $1.09) for the rest of the month.
It’s called seizing the moment. As cash-strapped Americans cut back on dining out, the more affordable chains are drumming up attention with special promotions.
Did you do Denny’s, where some outlets reported two-hour waits, or Steak & Shake? Was it worth the effort?
The chain’s strategy: Lure the hungry and caffeine-needy through the door and hope the prices will catch their eye.
Dairy Queen pitches the new Sweet Deals, mixing and matching menu items for $5 or less. Moe’s Southwest Grill repackages its Joey Jr. kid’s meal for adults, which goes for $4.99. Wendy’s lowers the tab on three sandwiches to 99 cents. Quizno’s and Boston Market are among others on the bandwagon.
Even Starbucks, where cost is rarely a factor for customers, rolls out a $3.95 combo snack on March 3, which promises savings of up to $1.20 on items bought individually.
Be forewarned that, with many deals, the cheaper price is accompanied by smaller portions. So you might have to order an extra side to fill up.
Has the economy driven you to the drive-thrus and parking lots of such eateries? What do you think of the deals and the updated meal plans?
Certainly, the offers are providing us with (fast) food for thought.
Services »
Comments
By On the Run
February 19, 2009 8:20 AM | Link to this
It’s ok with me that the portions are smaller; I will spend less and be forced to eat less. It’s a win-win.
By Nickie
February 19, 2009 8:32 AM | Link to this
I found a better way. I sign up for on line specials and coupons from every place I can. I give them an e-mail address that I only use for that purpose. Now we rarely go out to eat either at a fast food outlet or a family restaurant or sometimes even a little upscale from that, without a dollars off or 2 for 1 special. I print them out, keep them in the car and when we decide to get lunch or dinner while we are out, I have them. Since we are over 60 I also know which days which places have senior specials. Yes, we do tip based on the original amount when we use a coupon.
By Dave
February 19, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this
Even though I know it’s not the most nutritionally healthy food source - I have to admit - the price is definitely a major consideration in this economy. Plus I was just laidoff which makes it even more appealing.
By Juanita J
February 19, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this
I am cooking and eating at home more. I was eating out 4 or 5 times a week and the week-ends. Now, I cook and have left overs including Sundays. I also accept invitations to eat with my friends and their families. I only eat out about once or maybe twice a week now. I really hate we have the peanut butter scare…….my my
By Lynn
February 19, 2009 9:11 AM | Link to this
My family and I are eating more at home as well. I have also started brown bagging my lunch. It saves money. Take out is our treat for the weekends.
By Behind Enemy Lines
February 19, 2009 9:19 AM | Link to this
Glad to see someone note the smaller portions. Typically they kill any semblance of value for me and actually have the opposite effect desired since that drives to me elsewhere to eat.
The one day deals? Not a chance, they’d have to pay me considerably more than the discount to get me to endure the wait time that usually goes with them. The Steak & Shake extended .75 cent thing does have me wishing there was nearby though, the upgrade in taste makes that a heck of a deal compared to everybody else’s dollar burgers.
By Brenda
February 19, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this
Chili’s soup and salad. Drink water. - @$6.00 Mellow Mushroom - 1/2 hot sub w/ Coke - @$4.18
By john
February 19, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this
Best deal going..McDonalds double cheese burger $1.00.Add lots of Big mac sauce and shredded lettuce you have a mini big mac all for a buck….
By What's cheaper
February 19, 2009 9:35 AM | Link to this
We are a 2 person family so we eat out a lot, but use coupons and try to find good salads and like without having to tip, i.e, Zaxbys, ChickfilA, etc. Grocery prices are out of hand at Publix and find it cheaper to eat at Longhorns, than to buy steak, potato, salad and fixings. I shop the circular and buy house brands more than ever. McDonalds and other fast food have moved to meet the market very well. Restaurant portions are made for 2 anyone, so if they reduce the size, that is ok. The value menu is good and beats the combo prices. Wendys is almost $7 now and I can go to a good restaurant for about that or a few dollars more if I want a burger and fries. Also, drink water when dining out. That can save anywhere from 1.50-2.50 per person. Add tax and tip and it costs even more. Water is better for you and goes with the food better anyway. Add a slice of lemon and if the waiter gets iffy, there goes part of their tip. We all need to spend to keep the economy rolling, but how much and if we waste is the key.
By amy
February 19, 2009 9:45 AM | Link to this
$5 Footlong Subs from SUBWAY is a deal! For lunch, I can split one with my husband.
By chuck e
February 19, 2009 9:50 AM | Link to this
McDonald’s $1.00 menu is a great bargain…. a double hamburger and a side salad, a $1.00 each…a pretty good meal for 2 bucks!
By blimpie
February 19, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this
five dollar - foot long
By reservoirDAWG
February 19, 2009 10:15 AM | Link to this
We went to Steak and Shake after church Sunday and our total was $12.00 for the three of us. That includes tip.
By LiasMom
February 19, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this
Why does being a 2-person family mean that you “eat out a lot”? My hubby and I are a 2-person family, and we eat in at least 5 nights a week, including weekends. It’s not difficult to cook for 2 people, and it’s still cheaper than going out. If you use recipes (which I usually don’t, except for “inspiration”), either cut the recipe in half or use the leftovers for another meal. I often make extras, anyway, and we take them to work for lunch. Just b/c there aren’t kids around the table doesn’t mean that you can’t stay at home. It’s a nice together time for us to sit down and eat and talk about our days, without a bunch of other people around, without deciding where we are going to go, without wasting gas and putting wear/tear on our cars, and without paying more for the food. It’s healthier too, since you can control the fat, the salt, the seasonings, etc.
By No Name
February 19, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this
Ahh, the dumbing-down (and subsequent fattening) or America has firmly taken hold. It’s no wonder we’re the laughing stock of the world. You non-disciplined fata$$es could learn something from other cultures. It may even save your life.
By ch
February 19, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this
I got the new combo meal at Steak and Shake yesterday and ordered a 75 cent burger too and the cost was still less than a value meal at Mickey Ds.(including a decent tip)
By whattabargain
February 19, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this
Stevi B’s Pizza - All You Can Eat + Water: $5.82 inc. tax. Most of them also have daily specials as well
By mystery poster
February 19, 2009 10:46 AM | Link to this
Don’t forget to figure in the medical costs associated with high blood pressure, obesity, etc that go along with the fast food.
By What's cheaper
February 19, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this
Good for you, LiasMom regarding the 2 person household comment. We are both working professionals and playing recipe cards is not on our radar. Being a Foodie is just not important, but want to eat healthy and light. I do cook once a week and have leftovers. It is just diappointing when I have to throw food and groceries away b/c it went unused. I have done the math and two can eat out cheaper in most cases. I can spend that extra cooking and recipe time taking a walk, going to a movie or doing something we really enjoy. When the crowd gets over 2 people, go with groceries. To each his own and use your advice for yourself.
By Dux
February 19, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this
When did places start charging more for medium size combo meals? A medium used to be standard, but now I have to pay an extra $.50 for it!
By Dux
February 19, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this
When did places start charging extra for a medium combo? Medium used to be standard at fast food places, but now I have to pay and extra $ .50 to get more to drink and few more fries! Ridiculous!
By Nick Wright
February 19, 2009 11:03 AM | Link to this
2 hours of my time is worth way more than $5.99, but if I liked Steak n’ Shake I might stop by for a 75 cent steakburger.
By Steve
February 19, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this
The South has some of the fattest people anywhere. Why? We eat fried garbage. No wonder health care issues are big here.
It’s not that difficult to make cheap, easy, healthier meals at home, even if you are single.
People are just lazy.
By Southern Man
February 19, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this
I love the preachers. The point of this was if you had been going to fast food restaurants. Get off your high horse before someone kicks it out from under you.
By Becky
February 19, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
I’m trying to lose weight, so none of the cheaper meals appeal to me..I cook at home (for 2) & make sure that I have enough for lunch the next day..For breakfast (at work)each person brings something & we save money, same with lunches (sometimes)..