McDonald’s Slashes Combo Meal Prices: Discover How They’re Re-Establishing Affordability for Customers!

McDonald’s is making waves by cutting the prices of its combo meals. This move comes shortly after CEO Chris Kempczinski acknowledged that the menu had become too pricey and promised to address it.

Starting next month, eight popular combo meals will be available at 15% less than what it costs to buy the items separately. Franchisees are getting financial support from the company to help make these price cuts happen.

The Wall Street Journal first broke this news, but McDonald’s has not shared any comments on the matter. Excitingly, the fast-food giant also plans to introduce a $5 breakfast deal and an $8 Big Mac and McNugget special soon, reigniting its “Extra Value Meals” branding.

During a recent earnings call, Kempczinski expressed his concerns. He noted that many customers feel McDonald’s prices have increased too much in recent years. This has changed the way people view the brand. What was once considered an affordable option is now seen as more expensive than eateries like Applebee’s or Chili’s.

According to a survey, 75% of consumers believe the prices at fast-food chains have risen significantly since the pandemic. Many are now seeing combo meals cost upwards of $10, which, Kempczinski admitted, is creating a negative perception of value. He emphasized that “the single biggest driver of consumer perception is the menu board,” highlighting the immediate impact of visible prices on customer attitudes.

This sentiment follows a viral incident in 2023 when an $18 Big Mac combo meal sparked outrage online. This event prompted a public letter from the president of McDonald’s USA, labeling it as an outlier and asserting that prices have not exceeded inflation.

In response, McDonald’s has been focusing on expanding its value menu and revamping popular items, like their chicken strips. Last year’s introduction of a $5 value meal helped stabilize sales temporarily, as many customers began looking for more affordable options.

Additionally, themed meals, such as collaboration with “A Minecraft Movie,” indicate a successful strategy, helping to turn around two quarters of declining sales. This focus on value and creativity might just be the key to restoring McDonald’s image as a wallet-friendly dining choice.

For further insights on the fast-food industry’s pricing strategies and consumer responses, you can check out the full report by The Wall Street Journal [here](https://www.wsj.com/business/hospitality/mcdonalds-combo-meal-prices-929b4891?mod=hp_lead_pos8).

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