With inflation affecting people’s finances, it is becoming increasingly important for consumers to save money wherever possible. Historically, fast food has been a convenient way to feed a hungry belly without breaking the bank. However, fast food prices have risen considerably with increasing ingredient and labor costs. However, there are still deals to be had.
Sonic
The first Sonic opened in Shawnee, Oklahoma, in 1958 and has since expanded throughout the U.S. In the early years; customers had to park their cars in a gravel parking lot, then walk to the restaurant to order their food. But the idea of a drive-through restaurant caught the attention of founder Craig Smith. The company changed its name to Sonic in 1959 and began a rapid expansion. By 1978, it operated more than 1,000 restaurants. In 1991, it became a publicly traded company.
Menus at Sonic are relatively simple and calorie-controlled, with the vast majority of menu items priced at around $4. The company offers nine types of burgers and ten kinds of hot dogs. It also serves a variety of chicken-based items, most of which are fried, as well as side dishes such as tater tots and fried chicken. As far as fast food restaurants go, Sonic’s prices are average to slightly above average.
Sonic’s most popular meal deals include Sonic Combos, which has your favorite burger, two sides, and a drink. Sonic also offers a sizeable breakfast menu with prices ranging from $2.99 for a burrito to $4.99 for a five-pack of Cinnasnacks. Prices are reasonable, and you don’t even have to leave your car!
Sonic’s sales have been slow recently, but the brand has stepped up its efforts lately. In late May, it debuted a $5 Sonic Boom Box deal that includes any hot dog or cheeseburger, tots and fries, and a drink for only $5. The company’s executives launched this deal to increase traffic during its sales slump.
Sonic also offers a variety of healthy options. The company now provides flavored water with natural fruit as the flavor. The company also gives fries made with whole russet potatoes. They’re crispy and flavorful. The menu also features a wide variety of drinks and desserts.
Del Taco
Del Taco is a fast food restaurant specializing in American-style Mexican food. Its headquarters are located in Lake Forest, California, and the brand currently operates in 17 states in the USA, including several locations in the Detroit area. Its menu offers hard shell and soft tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, Nachos, and Deluxe Taco Salad. It also has a wide variety of shakes and fries.
In recent years, Del Taco has introduced a new “20 Under $2” menu, which has a variety of items for as low as $2. While many chains have shifted away from value menus due to rising supply costs and prices, Del Taco has continued offering menu items under $2. Its classic snack taco, for instance, can be bought for $0.79 or $0.89, depending on location.
In 2013, Del Taco was the third-largest Mexican-style fast-food brand in the USA, with sales of $622 million. Chipotle and Taco Bell topped the list with sales of nearly $7 billion and $3 billion, respectively. The Levy family owns shares in Del Taco and has been in the food business for over four decades. They co-founded Levy Restaurants, which they sold in the late 2000s.
The cheapest value menu from Del Taco is not as popular as those from other fast-food chains, but it’s worth considering if you’re on a budget. A Value Taco, loaded with seasoned beef, lettuce, and shredded cheese, costs $0.69. It’s cheaper than the equivalent dish at Taco Bell and other fast-food chains.
Jack in the Box has acquired Del Taco, a California-based brand. The brand plans to expand into 25 states, with over two thousand locations. The brand’s headquarters is in Orange County. But that’s not all. Jack in the Box has strained relationships with franchisees and is moving towards a more cooperative approach. The company also plans to offer franchisees the option to expand their restaurants across two brands.
Wendy’s
In the early morning hours of the day, Wendy’s customers have the opportunity to get a cheap burger or breakfast sandwich. While other fast food chains have curtailed their early morning offerings to avoid competition, Wendy’s has maintained its strategy, offering breakfast sandwiches and burgers until the early morning rush. As a result, Wendy’s has the third-largest market share in the highly competitive breakfast category. The brand, owned by Restaurant Brands International, is in a tough spot, falling behind the dominant brand McDonald’s.
As the prices of necessities continue to rise, consumers are looking for ways to save money where they can. While fast food has always been a safe bet for filling up without breaking the bank, increasing ingredient and labor costs have forced prices to rise. However, despite this increase, many deals are still to be had.
Wendy’s breakfast sales now account for about 8% of its U.S. sales, which is higher than the other fast food burger restaurants this daypart. Last year, Wendy’s breakfast sales grew by 25%. The company expects breakfast sales to grow by a further 10% to 20% in 2022. Burger King, meanwhile, has struggled in the U.S., with its high labor and commodity costs leading to tighter margins. However, Wendy’s may be one of the few brands still doing well.
Wendy’s has a dollar menu, which offers six menu items for $1 each. Burger King also offers the $1 Your Way Menu, which has four items for $1. Value fries and a value fountain drink are also available for a bargain price. The price of a small Frosty in the U.S. is 99 cents.
Wendy’s has more than six thousand locations across the United States. Its menu is similar to McDonald’s and B.K.’s but has more affordable prices. In addition to burgers, the chain offers chicken sandwiches, salads, and drinks. The company has also launched a breakfast menu shortly.
