Sonic Drive-In has joined the race to attract budget-conscious diners with its new $5 meal deal. This limited-time offer, which includes an entrée, a snack, a side, and a drink, comes just in time for the holiday season—helping shoppers save while tackling their gift lists. With affordability in mind, Sonic’s $5 Feast is poised to compete with similar meal deals from fast food giants like McDonald’s and Burger King, potentially setting the stage for a nationwide rollout.
What’s included in Sonic Drive-In’s $5 Meal Deal?
Launched in late November, Sonic Drive-In’s $5 Meal Deal offers incredible value with a quarter-pound double cheeseburger, a corn dog, your choice of small tots or groovy fries, and a small drink. The $5 price doesn’t include taxes or optional add-ons—like cherry flavoring for your drink, which comes at an additional cost.
How can you get Sonic Drive-In’s $5 Meal Deal?
Sonic Drive-In’s $5 Meal Deal is available at 33 locations across Wichita Falls, Texas, and nearby Lawton, Oklahoma, just over the Red River. To check if the $5 feast is offered at a Sonic near you, open the Sonic app, head to the “Featured” section, and scroll down to find the deal. Although the promotion is only available through January 5th, Times Record News reported that the fast-food chain is already considering offering the meal deal nationwide.
Other fast-food meal deals similar to Sonic Drive-In’s $5 Feast
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly fast-food options, several chains have meal deals similar to Sonic’s $5 Feast. These include:
- McDonald’s: McDonald’s has a $5 meal deal that includes a choice of a McDouble or McChicken, small fries, a 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, and a small soft drink.
- Burger King: Burger King offers a $5 Your Way Meal, which includes a choice of a Whopper Jr., Chicken Jr., or bacon cheeseburger, 4-piece chicken nuggets, value fries, and a value soft drink.
- Wendy’s: Wendy’s has a $5 Biggie Bag that includes a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, small fries, a small soft drink, and a small Frosty.
- Taco Bell: Taco Bell offers a variety of $5 meal deals, including the $5 Cravings Box, which includes a Crunchy Taco, a Beefy Nacho Cheese Burrito, a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito, and a Baja Blast.
The rise of fast-food meal deals
The fast-food industry has long been a battlefield of value and convenience. In recent years, however, the competition for the budget-conscious consumer has intensified, leading to a surge in the popularity of meal deals.
Several factors have contributed to the rise of fast-food meal deals:
- Economic Factors: During periods of economic uncertainty or inflation, consumers often seek affordable dining options. Meal deals provide a perceived value proposition, offering multiple items at a discounted price.
- Competitive Pressure: Fast-food chains are constantly vying for market share. By offering attractive meal deals, they can lure customers away from competitors and encourage repeat visits.
- Changing Consumer Preferences: Modern consumers are increasingly time-constrained and budget-minded. Meal deals cater to these preferences by offering a convenient and cost-effective solution.
- Digital Innovation: Mobile apps and online ordering platforms have made it easier for fast-food chains to promote and execute meal deals. These technologies enable targeted marketing and personalized offers, further driving consumer engagement.
In conclusion, meal deals have become a powerful tool for fast-food chains to attract and retain customers. As consumers become more discerning and budget-conscious, we can anticipate that meal deals will remain a prominent feature of the fast-food landscape in the years to come.