McDonald’s Tests Out Value Deal Bundles at Select US Stores

(Bloomberg) -- McDonald's Corp. is rolling out a new mix-and-match bundle at select US stores to draw value-conscious diners.

The bundle would allow customers to pick two items from a lineup that includes the McDouble burger, the McChicken sandwich, six pieces of chicken nuggets and fries, according to people familiar with the matter. The deal would cost $3.50 to $4 depending on the market. The chain is also testing breakfast options.

It's one of the alternatives McDonald's is working on to sharpen its value menu, following the slowest growth for established US locations in more than a year last quarter. A prior promotion featuring about 10 items under $3 didn't draw as many diners as expected, Chief Executive Officer Chris Kempczinski said on the company's August earnings call. The chain named a new chief for its US business, Skye Anderson, to bring "focus and urgency" to the segment.

A McDonald's spokesperson said the company is looking to offer choice and value, including by testing a variety of meal bundles at select locations.

McDonald's shares rose as much as 0.7% at 4:12 p.m. Thursday in New York after the close of regular trading. The stock has fallen 16% this year, trailing the 13% rise in the S&P 500.

In September, Kempczinski told investors that having a new entry-level value program was a "big part" of McDonald's plan to strengthen the US business as it heads into 2027. The details of the value menu have not been previously reported.

The mix-and-match bundle resembles a prior "buy one, get one for $1" promotion that attracted diners but was nixed for the under $3 menu. Burger King, which grew US same-store sales faster than expected last quarter, offers a similar deal where diners can choose two items for $5.

McDonald's has tinkered with its value menu in recent years as it tries to counter the perception that its food has become too expensive. In 2024, it got a boost from its $5 meal deals. It recently brought back some app-only offers, such as free fries with a $1 minimum purchase. And it's currently advertising "extra value" meals nationwide, such as a Quarter Pounder with cheese combo that goes for $8.39 at a Chicago location.

Sales at established McDonald's US restaurants grew 0.8% in the second quarter, the weakest result since the start of 2025. Those sales likely declined in the quarter through Sept. 30, according to analysts polled by Bloomberg. The company reports earnings next week.