:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-2161851058-af36ab772026472aa25180fcacffae7f.jpg "Meet the Latest Entry in the Race to Grab Value-Meal Diners")
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Key Takeaways
- Dunkin’ on Wednesday announced the launch of its fall menu and a new “$6 Meal Deal,” joining rivals in the ongoing value-meal trend and the battle for pumpkin spice-desiring customers.
- McDonald’s and other fast-food giants have launched value-centric deals in recent months as inflation negatively impacted many Americans’ discretionary spending.
- Starbucks also recently announced its fall products, including the earliest-ever launch for the popular pumpkin spice latte.
Dunkin’ on Wednesday announced the debut of its fall lineup along with a new “$6 Meal Deal,” joining fast-food and coffee rivals like Starbucks (SBUX) and McDonald’s (MCD) as the chains fight for value-seeking and pumpkin spice-desiring customers.
Dunkin’ said that customers will be able to get a medium coffee, hash browns, and a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich for $6 “for a limited time,” joining McDonald’s, Starbucks, Wendy’s (WEN), and a number of other fast-food giants that have launched value-centric promotions in recent months.
Turning To Pumpkin Spice and Value To Boost Sales
Dunkin’s deal follows those of McDonald’s, Burger King of Restaurant Brands International (QSR), and Wendy’s, which each ran value-meal promotions in recent months. Starbucks launched a “pairings menu” of deals.
Executives from across the industry have acknowledged in recent earnings reports that higher-priced essentials have forced many consumers to lower their levels of discretionary spending.
McDonald’s said last month that its value meal had been successful, with nearly all of its franchisees voting in favor of extending the deal through August in the hopes that it would continue to drive sales.
Dunkin’s launch of its fall menu comes just days after Starbucks announced the earliest-ever return of its own popular fall items like the pumpkin spice latte following disappointing sales results in recent quarters. Dunkin’s new offerings include a pumpkin-spice latte and a pumpkin donut.
Dunkin’ no longer reports quarterly sales data since being acquired by Inspire Brands, the parent of Arby’s, Jimmy John’s, and more, for $11.3 billion in December 2020. Inspire says Dunkin’ generated $13.3 billion in sales for fiscal 2023.