Is the era of the rigid fast-food combo finally dead? Burger King has just launched its new "Duos and Trios" platform across the United States, allowing customers to mix and match two menu favorites for five dollars or three for seven—including heavy hitters like the Original Chicken Sandwich and eight-piece Chicken Fries. This move away from the standard pre-boxed meal signals that the next phase of the value wars is not just about price; it is about giving cash-strapped diners the control to engineer their own budget.

Can a single dollar bill finally bring the masses back to the Golden Arches? As of January seventh, McDonald's has officially deployed its new "McValue" menu nationwide, allowing customers to snag a second item—like a McChicken or Sausage McMuffin—for just one buck when they purchase a full-priced entree. With the five-dollar meal deal also extended through the summer, this aggressive discounting strategy is the brand's loudest admission yet that they pushed prices too high, proving that in twenty-twenty-six, recovering lost foot traffic is worth sacrificing a little margin.

Can a single dollar bill finally bring the masses back to the Golden Arches? As of January seventh, McDonald's has officially deployed its new "McValue" menu nationwide, allowing customers to snag a second item—like a McChicken or Sausage McMuffin—for just one buck when they purchase a full-priced entree. With the five-dollar meal deal also extended through the summer, this aggressive discounting strategy is the brand's loudest admission yet that they pushed prices too high, proving that in twenty-twenty-six, recovering lost foot traffic is worth sacrificing a little margin.