In response to declining foot traffic and sluggish sales, fast-food chains like McDonald's, Taco Bell, Burger King, and Wendy's have reintroduced $5 meal deals to attract budget-conscious diners. This move comes after a survey indicated that over 60% of consumers have cut back on fast-food spending due to rising prices, particularly affecting low-income customers. While McDonald's has reported an increase in traffic from these promotions, analysts remain skeptical about significant sales growth, fearing that such discounts may erode long-term profits. Casual dining establishments like Chili's are also capitalizing on this shift by offering competitive value meals, further capturing market share from fast food. The overall trend indicates a changing dining landscape, where fast food is no longer the go-to choice for budget meals, with Wall Street responding negatively as shares of major chains decline. As the summer progresses, the success of these promotions will depend on their ability to sustain customer interest amid ongoing economic pressures.