Restaurant check: McDonald’s extends $5 Meal Deal, stays aggressive with promotions

McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) announced on Thursday that its $5 Meal Deal will stay around at a majority of its restaurants through the end of December. The $5 promotion features a choice of a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, small fries, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets and a small soft drink.

“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,” noted McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger. “The extension of the $5 Meal Deal, and the other offerings we’re announcing for our fall line-up, are just a few of the ways we’re working hard to offer great meals at a fair price,” he noted.

McDonald’s (MCD) is also offering a $2 McCrispy sandwich in honor of National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day on November 9 and will continue to celebrate Free Fries Fridays, where customers can get free medium Fries with any $1 minimum purchase. The fast-food chain is also offering local deals.

Looking ahead, McDonald’s (MCD) is planning a large rollout in the U.S. of the Big Arch sandwich that could add incremental competition for other burger chains such as Wendy’s (WEN), Burger King (QSR), Sonic, Jack in the Box (JACK), Whataburger, Culver’s, Five Guys, Hardee’s, Carl’s Jr., Smashburger, Habit Burger (YUM), In-N-Out Burger, Arby’s, Rally’s, BurgerFi (BFI), Fuddruckers, and Shake Shack (SHAK).

Across the restaurant sector, McDonald’s (MCD) overall aggressive stance on promotions could pressure other chains to follow suit, including Yum Brands’ (YUM) Taco Bell and KFC.