Chili's trolls fast-food giants as value meals face backlash from price-weary consumers

Fast Food

Chili's trolls fast-food giants as value meals face backlash from price-weary consumers

Restaurant chain sells burger, fries, chips and drink for $10.99 as fast-food giants face inflation-conscious customers

Andrea Margolis Fox News

Published

December 31, 2025 12:50pm EST

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Chili's took aim at fast-food giants this week, mocking so-called "value meals" as Americans show signs of cutting back.

The casual dining chain made the callout in response to an X post about rising prices on Dec. 29.

"McDonald's says customers are 'pulling back,'" an X user wrote. "Same with Wendy's. Same with Burger King."

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The commenter added, "When fast food loses traffic, it's a stress signal. People are tapped out."

The tweet was a reference to comments by McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski that low-income diners are tightening their spending, though the chain has been steadily growing internationally.

Chili's highlighted its $10.99 meal deal while criticizing what it called misleading fast-food value pricing. (Chili's)

"We continue to see a bifurcated consumer base," Kempczinski told investors during a company earnings call this year.

"Traffic from lower-income consumers declined nearly double digits in the third quarter — a trend that's persisted for nearly two years."

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In response to the X user's observation, Chili's criticized fast-food chains for offering "value meals" that don't deliver on their promises.

"It's finally clocking to y'all that there's no value in 'value meals,'" Chili's posted, adding the hashtag #mcscammed.

Businesswoman working at laptop with fast food on restaurant table. Pictured are fires, chicken tenders, a beverage with a straw, and a hamburger

The casual dining chain criticized fast-food "value meals" after an X user highlighted slowing traffic at major brands. (iStock)

"Reminder that you can get a burger with fries, bottomless chips and salsa and a drink for $10.99 at Chili's," the tweet added.

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The declaration — and the promise of a full meal for less than $11 — intrigued X users.

"I've never been to a Chili's. This is very appealing, though," one person wrote.

Chili's Grill & Bar restaurant exteriors

Chili's criticism echoed frustrations many consumers have voiced about fast food no longer feeling affordable. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

"And a margarita of the month for $6," another added. "This has become a tradition [for] my mom and [me]. Once a month, we splurge!"

A Chili's spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the restaurant chain "offers everyday value against fast-food pricing."

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Fox News Digital also reached out to McDonald's for comment.

The social media spat came as price-weary consumers continue to battle rising costs at grocery stores and restaurants alike.

A woman smiles as she holds some fast-food fries in a bag.

The exchange followed comments from McDonald's leadership about lower-income diners cutting back. (iStock)

This August, Hamburger Helper's year-over-year sales rose 14.5% due to consumers gravitating toward the tried-and-true budget meal.

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On social media, "leftover hacks" have proved popular amid high food prices this holiday season.

Andrea Margolis is a lifestyle writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Readers can follow her on X at @andreamargs or send story tips to andrea.margolis@fox.com .

Chili's trolls fast-food giants as value meals face backlash from price-weary consumers