McDonald's to prolong $5 value meal deal in many U.S. markets until December.

• In most U.S. markets, McDonald's will offer its $5 value meal throughout December.
• Nearly 80% of local markets have voted to extend the value meal deal into December.
• This summer, the restaurant industry emphasized value, with companies such as McDonald's, Burger King, and Starbucks offering discounts to attract customers as they reduced their restaurant spending.

In most U.S. markets, McDonald's will extend its $5 value meal into December in an effort to win back lower-income consumers.

The value meal extension is being voted on by franchisees, and about 80% of local markets have already opted to continue the deal until December. However, votes are still ongoing, so more locations may be added in the coming weeks.

A value meal includes a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, small fries, four-piece chicken nuggets, and a small soft drink for $5.

In addition to the value bundle, McDonald's owners will be providing local promotions in the coming weeks and months, which can be accessed through the McDonald's app.

McDonald's U.S. President Joe Erlinger stated that the company is doubling down on ways to save with its franchisees in order to keep prices affordable, as the meal has been extended into December.

This summer, the restaurant industry emphasized value, with companies such as McDonald's and Burger King offering discounts to attract customers. However, consumers have been cutting back on their restaurant spending due to years of inflation.

McDonald's executives announced in July that they would focus on regaining customers through promotions, as they sought to extend the $5 value meal offer. The deal ran until the end of August, with 93% of restaurants keeping it on the menu after its initial four-week run in June and July.

In a memo to the U.S. system, Erlinger stated that McDonald's faced challenges in selling diners on affordability in the most recent quarter. He predicted that industry and competitive challenges would continue throughout the year. However, he encouraged operators to focus on building momentum for next year and emphasized the importance of having a long-term mindset for the company's success.

""Becoming the leader on value and affordability again requires a sustained and coordinated effort that demonstrates our commitment to the customer," he wrote."

Erlinger stated in a July memo that the $5 meal trial was successful among low-income consumers, and sentiment about the company's value began to improve.