Fast food chains launch 'value menu' war after cost complaints. Will it last?

Millions of American families are hitting the road to start summer vacation, and ordering food on the run tends to be par for the course. It couldn't come at a better time. Fast food joints are in the midst of a budget-meal war, offering promotions to lure customers back to their restaurants despite inflation woes and a minimum-wage increase in California and other states.

Starting June 25, McDonald's will offer a month-long deal featuring a combo meal —either a McChicken, a McDouble or four-piece chicken nuggets, small fries