The Most Popular Fast Food News of 2024 [Video]

The last 12 months have been a truly wild ride for those who love to dine out.

It was a year that made budgets feel tighter than ever, with economic difficulties prompting 78% of people polled in a LendingTree survey this spring to say they now consider fast food a “luxury.” A second survey in May by technology platform and customer insights company Givex showed that 47% — almost half — of United States residents polled are going out to eat at restaurants less often, with another 45% cutting back on ordering delivery, and 60% preparing more meals at home to save money.

While this isn’t great news overall, it did at least lead to an all-out discount war between fast food chains looking to lure patrons back in with stellar deals and freebies. Over the summer and early fall, McDonald’s, Popeye’s, Burger King, and Starbucksall unveiled limited-time offers, including several $5 …