As we step into the warmer months, McDonald's is turning up the heat with a wave of exciting summer deals. The fast food giant is offering both nationwide and neighborhood-based discounts to make dining out easier and more affordable.

Joe Erlinger, McDonald’s USA President, made the announcement on Thursday. According to Erlinger, the fast food chain has always been about value, and it is resolving to keep this promise. “Our fans responded with a resounding demand for even more value, and this summer, we’re delivering exactly that,” said Erlinger in a statement to Food & Wine.

Among the deals are the much-anticipated $5 Meal Deal, the revival of Free Fries Friday, as well as exclusive local deals available through the McDonald’s app. The $5 Meal Deal, which begins on June 25, includes a choice between a McDouble or a McChicken sandwich, a small pack of fries, a four-piece Chicken McNugget set, and a small beverage. However, it is essential to note that the deal is up for a limited period only and is applicable at participating restaurants.

McDonald's will also resurrect the Free Fries Friday promotion, a bonus offering for McDonald’s App users. Customers can score a medium portion of fries absolutely free with any purchase worth a minimum of $1 till the end of 2024.

In addition to these nationwide offers, McDonald’s franchisees across the country will serve up special neighborhood deals. These discounts range from "Buy One Get One for $1" on breakfast sandwiches in Memphis, Tennessee, to a $3.50 Double Cheeseburger and small fries combo in Columbus, Ohio, to a $3.99 mix-and-match McChicken and McDouble deal in Western New York.

John Palmaccio, a McDonald’s owner-operator and Operator’s National Advertising Fund Chair, emphasized the brand's commitment to affordability. “Providing good value and creating memorable experiences is what McDonald’s stands for,” Palmaccio said. “As small business owners, we are committed to providing excellent value to our local communities, especially during challenging times. The $5 Meal Deal perfectly supplements the daily local deals that customers can find in-store and on the app.”

McDonald's discounts come as a relief for many Americans who are increasingly considering fast food as a luxury. A LendingTree survey of 2,025 Americans in May highlighted that 78% of participants view fast food as a luxury due to its pricing. About 65% were surprised by a recent high bill at a fast food restaurant. Notably, 16% of the survey respondents even considered McDonald's food as "high-end."

McDonald’s affirms that the best way to avail of all their deals is to download their app. The app provides opportunities to not only avail of these deals but also to accumulate points that can be redeemed for free food in the future, long after the limited-time deals have expired.