Value meals have been a big deal in 2024 and will continue to drive business next year, if the National Restaurant Associations “What’s Hot 2025 Culinary Forecast” proves to be correct.
Value meals are not just at McDonald’s and other fast food chains. Glendale-based Applebee’s recently launched a “Really Big Meal Deal” priced at $9.99 at participating locations.
The meal includes either a new Big Cluckin’ Chicken Sandwich or a Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, fries and a soft drink. Applebee’s serves Pepsi products.
At $10, the deal is on par or cheaper than several fast food burger combos including McDonald’s Big Mac, which will be around $10.29 plus tax. But customers are more apt to tip food servers in full-service restaurants such as Applebee’s.
We tried the Really Big Meal Deal and it came to our table as advertised.
We ordered the chicken sandwich, which is either hand-breaded or grilled chicken breast with lettuce, pickles, tomato and mayo.
With tax and a 20% tip, our order came to $13.03.
Applebee’s serves several other chicken sandwiches with fries priced around $13.99-$14.99.
The Classic Bacon Cheeseburger usually goes for around $14.99. Other burgers in Applebee’s lineup run about $12.79-$15.99
There are no substitutions on the Really Big Deal, but customers can upgrade to sandwiches such as a new Bacon Cheddar Crispy Chicken Sandwich or a Whole Lotta Bacon Burger for $12.99.
Applebee’s is also offering deals on holiday beverages such as a Tipsy Reindeer, made with vodka, cranberry juice and a Santa Claus gummy for $5, and a Cranberry Lime Mocktail for $4.
Casual restaurants with popular value meals include Chili’s Grill & Bar’s 3 For Me Specials starting at $10.99 and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse’s $13 Pizookie Meal Deal. Red Robin has issued a “last chance” alert on its $10 burger and fries offer, available Monday through Wednesday.
Information: applebees.com
