One of McDonald’s most popular value deals is making a comeback. On Thursday, McDonald’s announced the 2 for $5 Mix & Match Deal would be returning to stores for a limited time on December 21.

The Mix & Match Deal, which allows customers to choose two menu items for only $5, now includes the Quarter Pounder with Cheese as an option. The Quarter Pounder joins a lineup of other iconic menu options like the Big Mac, Filet-O-Fish, and 10-piece Chicken McNuggets.

Heading into the New Year more changes are coming to the $1 $2 3 Dollar Menu. Value is more important than ever to customers and the company wants to offer more flexibility when it comes to this part of the menu, McDonald’s said.

“Local markets and owner/operators will have the opportunity to offer delicious food and beverages at a compelling value on the $1 $2 $3 Dollar Menu, while also meeting the tastes and preferences of their local customers,” the company said in a statement.

“Our customers have told us value is important to them, so value continues to be key in sustaining our long-term growth,” added McDonald’s chief marketing officer Morgan Flatley in a statement. “With the $1 $2 $3 Dollar Menu and our new 2 for $5 Mix & Match Deal, we’re providing our customers a strong everyday value platform through more local market flexibility, plus rotating deals.”

Even though McDonald’s posted gains both domestically and globally over the last quarter there is a continual battle to get customers back into the stores. The positive numbers are attributed to higher check averages, but overall guest counts declined during the third quarter of 2018.

The changes to the value menu and reintroduction of the 2 for $5 Mix & Match Deal are a part of a multi-tiered strategy to get more traffic in stores.  

“As guest counts remain a challenge, we’re focused on increasing customer visits. The environment in the U.S. remains very competitive, especially around value and deal offerings,” CEO Steve Easterbrook said.

Fast Food, Marketing & Promotions, Menu Innovations, Story, McDonald's