Report: Quick-service burger chains compete with combo mealsReport: Quick-service burger chains compete with combo meals

Competition among quick-service burger chains is heating up as brands try to one-up each other with value combo meals, according to data from the NPD Group. And value-seeking consumers are — to borrow a familiar tagline — lovin’ it. 

“The hamburger category is struggling; traffic is declining,” said NPD analyst Bonnie Riggs. “They just had to find a new twist on a value deal.” 

For the first time in many years, combo meals ordered for lunch or dinner at quick-service burger chains are on the rise, the global market research firm found. In the last six months, McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Burger King, to name a few, have all introduced value-oriented combo meals — typically fixed bundles of several products offered for one low price. 

Combo meals...