US Fast-Food Chains Pair $5 Deals With Innovation as Taco Bell Sales Jump 7%

2 articles · Updated · Crossroads Today · Aug 13

Taco Bell’s same-store sales rose 7% in Q2, showing the strongest gains came from pairing $5, $7 and $9 meal boxes with new menu items rather than relying on blanket discounting.
McDonald’s posted 1.3% global comparable-sales growth, but CEO Chris Kempczinski said execution hurt results and loyal customers made up about two-thirds of the traffic shortfall despite under-$3 and $4 offers.
Wendy’s and Wingstop showed the limits of promotions alone: Wendy’s U.S. same-restaurant sales fell 7% and it withdrew guidance, while Wingstop’s U.S. same-store sales dropped 7.5% even with $1 wings.
Burger King, Domino’s and Chipotle also suggested value now means more than low prices, with operators citing better operations, loyalty programs, menu quality and convenience; Chipotle kept price increases to about 1% to 2%.