McDonald’s extends $5 menu offer through December in most US stores

(Reuters) – McDonald’s has extended its $5 meal offer in most of its U.S. stores through December, the burger chain said on Thursday.

The company launched its $5 meal deal in late June and extended it into August to retain price-conscious customers who shy away from higher fast-food prices.

Lower demand at quick-service restaurants has accelerated the pace of promotions, with Restaurant Brands, which owns Burger King, as well as Wendy’s and Taco Bell all relying on inexpensive menu items to drive traffic.

“We are committed to keeping our prices as affordable as possible, so we are doubling our efforts with even more ways to save,” said Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s US

According to its latest annual report, McDonald’s operates 13,500 stores in the United States.

Customer traffic at McDonald’s restaurants has been stronger so far this quarter, which Jefferies analyst Andy Barish attributed to “stronger (marketing) traction for the $5 meal offer and other promotions.”

McDonald’s has posted weaker results in recent quarters. In the three months ended June 30, the company reported a surprise decline in global sales, the first decline in 13 quarters.

The company also announced its lineup of fall deals on Thursday, including free medium fries with any $1 minimum purchase every Friday and 10 Chicken McNuggets for $1 between Nov. 4 and Dec. 2.

(Reporting by Savyata Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas)