Reba McEntire’s favorite tater tot spot is joining the value wars.
On July 1, Sonic announced it’s launching a new — and permanent — offering dubbed the “Fun.99” menu.
Customers can choose between a Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger, Chili Cheese Coney, Small Tots, a 16-ounce milkshake in any of the 12 flavors and both varieties of the all-new Sonic Queso Wraps.
The new wraps are now available nationwide. Here’s what comes in each:
- Bacon Ranch Queso Wrap: a crispy white meat chicken tender, bacon, cheddar cheese, ranch and white queso wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla.
- Southwest Crunch Queso Wrap: a crispy white meat chicken tender, Southwest sauce, crunchy tortilla strips, cheddar cheese and white queso in a soft flour tortilla.
On July 3, a Sonic representative told NBC News reporter Brian Chung that the menu is “here to stay, rather than a temporary reaction to consumer complaints!” (Many other chains have launched temporary value meals in the past few months.) This shade-throwing language seems to be a recent signature of fast-food spots.
“Now more than ever, guests are focused on affordable food options, but they shouldn’t have to settle for the same old, tired discounts or boring meals,” Sonic CMO, Ryan Dickerson, said in a press release. “Many restaurant brands are touting a lot of recycled ideas with limited options.” Dickerson said the drive-in chain wanted to do something “different” and “fun.”
“The FUN.99 Menu is all about choice and fun, whether you want any of our dozen shake flavors, a chili cheese coney, or our iconic tots as a midday snack — it’s all there for just $1.99,” he added.
Some of the most popular restaurants in the country have been participating in what’s known as the value wars, with chains from McDonald’s to Wendy’s, Taco Bell and more launching cheaper meals hoping to draw in customers sick of paying high prices at the drive through.
The quest to attract cost-conscious diners has also spread to quick-serve sit-down spots, with Applebee’s, Chili’s and more releasing their own lower cost menu options.
