McDonald’s Extends Popular $5 Value Meal Offer in U.S. Markets Until December

McDonald’s is offering its $5 menu in most U.S. markets through December in an effort to win back lower-income consumers.

Franchisees voted to extend the offer, with about 80% of their local markets choosing to extend it through December. Voting on the extension is still ongoing, so more locations could be added in the coming weeks.

The deal offers a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, small fries, four chicken nuggets and a small soft drink for $5.

In addition to the packages, owners also plan to offer local special offers in the coming weeks and months, the company said. The offers will also be available on the McDonald’s app.

“Together with our franchisees, we’re committed to keeping our prices as affordable as possible, which is why we’re doubling down with even more ways to save,” McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger said in a statement about the meal’s extension into December.

The restaurant industry has been focusing on value for money this summer, as companies like McDonald’s, Burger King and even Starbucks try to lure customers with discount offers. Years of inflation have led diners to cut back on spending at restaurants.

After McDonald’s reported second-quarter sales declines across all restaurants in July, executives told restaurateurs and analysts that the company would focus on winning back customers with special offers and push for an extension of its $5 savings menu. The offer ran through the end of August after 93% of restaurants agreed to keep it on the menu following a run in June and the first four weeks of July.

In a memo to the U.S. system obtained by CNBC after the release of its July earnings report, Erlinger said McDonald’s had a hard time convincing diners of its affordable offerings last quarter, adding that he expects “industry and competitive challenges” to continue throughout the year. Erlinger encouraged the carrier to look forward and build momentum into next year, adding that “channeling a long-term mindset is crucial” to the company’s success.

“Reversing the narrative and re-establishing our position as the leader on value and affordability is possible, but it cannot be done overnight,” he wrote at the time. “It will happen through sustained and coordinated actions that show the customer we’re on their side.”

The $5 menu test was well received by lower-income customers, and sentiment around it has also begun to drive value for the company, Erlinger said in a July note.