Chili’s takes aim at McDonald’s value meals with $10.99 deal as diners balk at fast-food prices

Chili’s Grill & Bar has introduced a new $10.99 value meal offer designed to attract price conscious diners amid widespread concern over rising fast food costs. The chain’s limited-time menu deal bundles popular items at a lower price point in an effort to compete with traditional value meal leaders like McDonald’s, which have long dominated the affordable side of casual dining. 

China has introduced new trade measures that include a 55% tariff on beef imports exceeding quota limits, a move designed to protect its domestic cattle industry. The safeguard measures, taking effect from January 1, 2026 and lasting three years, apply to major exporters including Australia, Brazil and the United States. The Australian Meat Industry Council warned that the additional tariff could cut Australian exports to China by about one-third and cost the industry roughly $1 billion, with strong criticism that it could disrupt long-standing trade ties under the China Australia Free Trade Agreement.