Restaurants fight food inflation with special offers and giveaways

ACROSS AMERICA – Inflation-weary consumers are hungry for bargains on groceries and are finding some deals at fast-food and other restaurant chains that are bucking a national trend of passing on higher food prices to consumers

With food prices still around 21 percent higher than when inflation began more than three years ago, restaurant chains are becoming more attractive.

Here's a look at cheap menus and other special offers from popular restaurant chains across the country:

Applebee's has brought back its All You Can Eat for $15.99 promotion, featuring endless servings of Riblets, Double Crunch Shrimp and America's favorite Boneless Wings, plus unlimited fires.

Burger King offers a “Your Way Meal” for $5, where customers can choose between three sandwiches, chicken nuggets, fries and a drink.

Chili'stargeting fast-food restaurants has added a Crispy Chicken sandwich and a Big Smasher burger to its Chili's 3 for Me savings menu, which starts at $10.99.

Denny's has brought back its All-Day Diner Deals for $5.99, where customers can choose between a quarter-pound cheeseburger, country fried steak, scrambled eggs and cheddar, or all-you-can-eat pancakes.

I jump is offering $5 all-you-can-eat buttermilk pancake stacks through September 15, as well as unlimited pancakes with certain breakfast combinations.

KFC began offering Taste of KFC deals for $4.99 last spring – two pieces of chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and a bun. A value menu offered on Tuesdays includes a bucket of eight pieces of chicken for $10. KFC said both promotions will continue through the end of 2024.

McDonald's has expanded its $5 meal offerings, which include the choice of a McChicken sandwich or a McDouble burger, both served with fries and a drink. The chain is also offering a free medium order of fries with a $1 purchase on Fridays.

Outback Steakhouse offers an appetizer, main course and dessert for $14.99. Plus, kids eat free on Mondays.

PF Chang's has launched Family Value Bundles with packages for two, four or six people that include Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts as an appetizer, Mongolian Beef and Kung Pao Shrimp as a main course, and a choice of white or brown rice.

Starbucks is selling items from its “pairing menu” for $5. Eligible items include a large hot or iced coffee or tea and a croissant. Breakfast sandwiches can be exchanged for a $6 or $7 deal, depending on the type of sandwich.

Taco Bell is offering a Luxe Cravings Box for $7 that includes a Chalupa Supreme, a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, a Double Stacked Taco, chips and nacho cheese sauce, and a medium drink.

Wendy’s is offering a $3 breakfast combo that includes an English muffin sandwich with egg and cheese, bacon or sausage, and a side of seasoned potatoes. The deal is valid from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. local time, although breakfast hours continue until 10:30 a.m.