Inflation and rising living costs are now at the heart of French people's concerns, as they look for ways to save money without sacrificing the quality of their food. It's against this backdrop that we've seen the boom in 5-euro fast-food menus. Attractively priced, these offers enable fast-food outlets to win the loyalty of customers looking for a bargain, while at the same time keeping up with the competition. Why are these low-price formulas so popular? How do brands manage to offer such low prices? What are the concrete examples of this meteoric rise?
How do you explain the boom in 5-euro menus in fast-food restaurants?
Value for money
These anti-inflation menus offer consumers excellent value for money. For many customers, especially students, families and workers, these options make it possible to eat out without breaking the bank. The chains have understood this and offer complete meals at very competitive prices to prevent the less privileged social classes from turning away from them.
Loyalty strategy
Offering reduced-price menus is also an effective strategy for attracting and retaining customers while maintaining your margins. In times of economic crisis and inflation, consumer loyalty is crucial to maintaining high restaurant traffic. In this sense, 5-euro fast-food menus meet this challenge by offering an affordable and tempting solution for quick meals.
Competitive response
With the rise of promotional offers and discounters, fast-food chains have to react if they are not to lose market share. 5-euro menus are a direct response to this competitive pressure.
👉 F urther information : Restaurant margins: 6 tips for coping with inflation?
How do fast-food restaurants manage to offer low-price formulas?
Cost optimization
Retailers optimize their costs by streamlining their supply chain, negotiating advantageous prices with their suppliers- especially when buying in large quantities - and standardizing their menus. This approach enables them to offer quality products at unbeatable prices.
Limited offers
Many of these 5-euro menus are offered for a limited time or under certain conditions (off-peak hours, special offers, etc.). This allows retailers to manage their margins while creating a sense of urgency among consumers.
Simplified menus
These discount offers are often simplified, with a limited selection of products. In this way, fast-food outlets can cut costs while maintaining an attractive offer.
👉 To find out more: 5 tips to boost fast-food profitability
What are some examples of anti-inflation offers?
1. McDonald's: not one, but 2 offers at €5 and €6
McDonald's stands out with its McFirst and McSmart menus, two comprehensive and affordable offerings. The McFirst menu offers a choice of sandwiches (McFirst Chicken, McFirst Beef), a portion of fries or a small salad and a medium drink for just 5 euros. The McSmart and McSmart+ menus, at 5 and 6 euros, offer 2 sandwiches, a portion of fries and a drink, in small or medium versions depending on the formula chosen.
2. KFC: the Megabox
Following the success of the Mega Menu and the KFC Tuesday offer, the fast-food chain recently launched the KFC Mega Box. The concept is simple: a box containing 5 products, offered at a fixed price of €5.95 for a limited time. Customers can thus enjoy a complete, gourmet meal at an affordable price.
3. Burger King: the cheap and tasty menu
Burger King's cheap and tasty menu includes a burger, a portion of fries, a small drink and a choice of onion rings, ice cream or coffee. Customers can choose from 5 different sandwiches: barbecue bacon, chicken, fish, double cheese and small goat wrap. The S-size menu is priced at 5 euros, while the M-size menu is 5.80 euros. For just 80 centimes more, it's possible to get a slightly larger portion of fries. Thanks to this offer, consumers can enjoy the chain's emblematic products at an unbeatable price.
4. Quick: a "Qarrément Bon" menu available for €5
Quick is also positioning itself in this niche with its "Qarrément Bon" menu at 5 euros, including a sandwich, a portion of fries and a drink. A simple, effective offer to attract fast-food lovers and bargain hunters.
5. Five Pizza: €5.90 all year round
Five Pizza has a year-round offer at 5.90 euros, including a pizza to choose from. It's an ideal solution for pizza lovers on a budget.
6. Marie Blachère: P'tit Malin formula for €5
The Marie Blachère bakery, in response to its competitors' special 'inflation' offers, is also proposing a tempting offer enabling its customers to choose 4 products from a pre-established selection (sandwiches, desserts, drinks), all for the modest sum of 5 euros. This initiative allows consumers to vary their pleasures at a lower cost.
7. O'Tacos: 4 for €5, operation O'Wow
O'Tacos has teamed up with influencers Adem & Bilal to launch their O'Wow operation. The campaign promotes a 5-euro offer comprising a taco triangle, 2 cheese rings and a drink. In this way, the brand reinforces its appeal to a young, connected clientele.
👉 To go further : How to set menu prices for your restaurant?
5-euro menus are an intelligent response to today's economic challenges. They enable consumers to eat at affordable prices, while offering chains a means of building customer loyalty and standing out in an ultra-competitive market. The meteoric rise of these low-price, varied and attractive formulas highlights the ability of fast-food chains to adapt to their customers' expectations while constantly innovating.
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