The Old-School Fast Food Restaurant Chain That Offers A Senior Discount

Is there anything better than delicious food from your favorite fast food chain when you get hungry? Well, maybe if the meal you are purchasing comes with a discount. There are a lot of fast food chains with value meals and specials that customers can take advantage of, but there are a few that offer a special price for those who might need it more than others: seniors.

For older adults who might be retired and living on a fixed income, spending must be done with the utmost care to avoid going over budget. Luckily, A&W is ready with a senior discount for customers who are 55 years of age or older, according to Chowhound. So whether you are a fan of the chain's signature root beer float or have a hankering for some crispy cheese curds, seniors should check to see if their local A&W is offering the 10% discount for seniors.

Eating out can get expensive, especially if you are not clued into how to get the biggest bang for your buck. True, some chains have fast food combo meals that can save you money depending on what they offer, but they might not always be the best deal around. That's why it is important to keep an eye out for special, not-always-advertised ways to save.

According to The Krazy Coupon Lady, McDonald's not only has a 10% senior discount for those who are 50 years of age or older, but some participating locations also offer similar deals throughout the year for educators and military veterans. A number of fast food chains also have loyalty and rewards programs that are free to sign up for and allow customers to earn points for future purchases — as well as apps that can alert you when new coupons and offers are available. Even A&W offers Rooty's Mug Club, which offers everyone a free root beer float on their birthday just for signing up.

As we age, it's important to make sure we take care of our health: physical, emotional, and financial. A study conducted by RetireGuide found that, in 2021, seniors reported their food expenses going up 44%, and by 2022 retirees reported spending 25% of their monthly budget on food alone. While there are great discounts available for seniors to take advantage of at retailers, restaurants, and grocery stores, it's important to research options ahead of time. Especially since special deals and discounts can vary from location to location and you do not want to be blindsided by attempting to use a senior discount at a franchise location that does not offer it. 

When in doubt, double check that you have enough money to spend on eating out, ask the employees if a senior discount or other offer is available before ordering, and consider dining out with a friend so that you can split the bill while sharing a meal.